In a recent operation, troops of the Nigerian army have successfully discovered a significant illegal refining site in Delta state.
The joint operation involved the collaboration of the 181 Amphibious Battalion stationed at the 6 division area of responsibility in Owahwa community, Ughelli South LGA, along with operatives from the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and a private security firm.
Speaking about the development, Onyema Nwachukwu, the Army Director of Public Relations, emphasized that this operation is part of their continued efforts to thwart oil thieves’ access to government-owned crude oil. The operation, which was based on surveillance reports of illegal oil refineries in the area, took place on a Saturday.
During the operation, the troops made a remarkable discovery, finding 35 modular ovens, three fabricated reservoirs, 30 dugout reservoirs, and 75 galvanized pipes at the illegal refining site. Prompt action was taken, and the operatives effectively shut down the illegal operations.
In light of these ongoing efforts to combat oil theft, the Nigerian Army appeals to all law-abiding citizens to support their anti-oil theft operations by promptly reporting any suspected cases of illicit refining or illegal bunkering in their respective areas to the security agencies.
It was recently reported that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) made a startling disclosure. Within just one week, the NNPCL had uncovered a staggering 240 illicit oil refineries in the Niger Delta region.
The majority of these illicit activities were found in Bayelsa, particularly between July 15 and 21. During their operations, the NNPCL also managed to dismantle 93 illegal pipeline connections and destroyed 69 refineries.
These recent actions by both the Nigerian troops and the NNPCL are crucial steps towards curbing the illegal activities that have been plaguing the region.
The efforts to safeguard government-owned crude oil and protect the environment are ongoing, and the cooperation of the public in reporting suspicious activities remains invaluable in this fight against oil theft.