Troops dismantle illegal refining site, recover 6,500 litres of stolen crude in Rivers
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have dismantled an illegal crude oil refining site and recovered an estimated 6,500 litres of stolen crude oil during an anti-illegal bunkering operation in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 5:30 a.m. on July 29 by troops of 343 Artillery Regiment at Uburu, in Apani Community.
According to the sources, the troops discovered and dismantled one illegal refining site containing an estimated 6,500 litres of illegally sourced crude oil.
Also recovered at the site were three plastic drums containing approximately 740 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel.
Other items recovered included 11 locally fabricated refining ovens, seven metal drums, and seven jerrycans used in the illicit refining process.
The recovered items were handled and disposed of in accordance with the operational guidelines of Operation Delta Safe (OPDS).
Military sources said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to combat crude oil theft, illegal refining and economic sabotage in the Niger Delta, while protecting the nation’s critical oil infrastructure.
