Nigerian Army Busts Illegal Oil Refineries In Niger Delta

Troops of the Nigerian Army deployed in the Niger Delta have made significant progress in the fight against oil theft and illegal refining.

Upon a joint operation across Bayelsa and Rivers states, the army have discovered and dismantled massive storage facilities containing over 200,000 liters of illegally refined crude oil products.

According to a statement released by Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah, the operation aim to crack down on economic sabotage in the region.

In addition to the discovery and destruction of the storage facilities, troops also intercepted trucks carrying stolen crude oil in Delta State, further disrupting the illicit oil trade.

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He said troops “uncovered an illegal refining site, oven, and metal reservoir containing over 110,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil at Dasaba Creek.

“In Rivers State, they discovered over 33,000 litres being siphoned into a tank from the Indorama (Eleme Petrochemicals) pipeline.

“The operation, which was painstakingly conducted by troops, resulted in the recovery of several items, including pumping machines, hoses, and drums used to perpetrate criminality.

“Similarly, troops of the 63 Brigade intercepted trucks laden with over 30,000 litres of stolen products in Delta State.

Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma added that four suspects have been arrested and will be handed over to relevant agencies for prosecution.

“These breakthroughs are a testament to the renewed effort by troops to effectively clamp down on economic saboteurs and their collaborators”, he said.