Troops Discover Suspected Illegal Crude Oil Refining Equipment in Rivers Forest
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops have uncovered suspected illegal crude oil refining equipment during a patrol in the Orashi National Forest, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Sources who disclosed this on Tuesday said that the discovery was made at about 12:00 p.m. on Saturday by troops of the 16 Brigade Garrison at Abissa, working in conjunction with personnel of the 5 Battalion.
The sources said the troops, while conducting operations in line with the mandate of anti-crude oil theft operations, discovered equipment believed to be used for illegal refining activities.
Items recovered at the site included one large oven drum, one large coolant, two small oven drums, one small coolant, one long galvanised pipe and two sacks containing crude oil.
According to the sources, the recovered items were handled in accordance with the operational procedures and mandate of the ongoing anti-oil theft operation.
The sources added that the operation forms part of sustained efforts by security forces to dismantle illegal refining camps, curb crude oil theft and protect critical national assets in the Niger Delta region.
