Troops Destroy Illegal Refinery, Recover 20,000 Litres Crude In Rivers

Troops of the Joint Task Force South-South, Operation Delta Safe, have destroyed an illegal refining site and recovered about 20,000 litres of stolen crude oil in Rivers State.

The operation, aimed at curbing crude oil theft in the Niger Delta, was carried out in the Orashi National area of Abua/Odual Local Government Area.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama disclosed the development in a post on X, citing security sources.

According to the sources, the raid took place around 10:00 a.m. on April 11 and involved a joint team from the 5 Battalion, 16 Brigade Garrison, and 103 Battalion (Motorised).

During the operation, troops uncovered and dismantled the illegal refining facility, recovering equipment used for illicit activities, including two long galvanised pipes measuring about 500 metres and three hoses estimated at about 100 metres.

A large reservoir containing stolen crude oil estimated at about 20,000 litres was also recovered at the site.

In addition, troops discovered a big drum oven and a receiver containing refined products estimated at about 12,000 litres.

Other items found at the scene included a large cooling system, two active small drum ovens, and two drum receivers containing products suspected to be kerosene, estimated at about 80 litres.

“They said all discovered items were destroyed in situ in line with the mandate of Operation Delta Safe,” the sources said.