Unit 181 of the Nigerian Army Amphibious Battalion has discovered 12 active illegal oil refineries in Delta State.
The illegal refinery was discovered at the Owahwa Creek Urhobo community of Ugheli South Local Government Area (LGA) Delta State.
According to a press release on Monday morning, 60 crude cooking ovens, 14 reservoirs, 6 wooden boats with stolen crude oil, and 470 sacks of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) were found at the camp.
The crackdown was accomplished in collaboration with officials from the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC.
ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!
The release read;
“Relatedly, the same troops also intercepted a vehicle conveying 25 polytene bags of suspected illegally refined AGO in Ogbodu Community in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State.
“In a similar operation, also conducted on September 2, 2023, troops of 3 Battalion, intercepted two wooden boats ladened with stolen crude in Tsekelewu, Warri North Local Government Area of Delta state.”
The department also arrested two suspects in connection with the crime.
The press release added:
“Both suspects and the illegal products have been handed over to NSCDC personnel attached to Tantita Security Services for further action.”
The Nigerian military therefore urged the public to report suspected sabotage or criminal activity to security officials in a bid to bolster ongoing operations to curb economic sabotage in the country.
