Army Uncovers Illegal Crude Oil Refineries in Imo, Delta

On August 28, 2023, troops of the 343 Artillery Regiment successfully uncovered an oil thieves’ camp in the Obokofia community, Imo State.

During the operation, the vigilant troops confiscated fifteen sacks and thirteen Jerrycans of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) that were hidden in the camp.

Additionally, the troops recovered two pumping machines, three power generators, one hose, and a toolbox used for hacking into oil pipelines.

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In another operation conducted on the same day, troops of the three Battalion targeted an active illegal oil refining site in Enokora Community, Burutu Local Government Area, Delta State.

The site contained three cooking ovens and six reservoirs used for illegal oil refining.

Part of a statement regarding the clampdown signed by its Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu and posted on Wednesday via X (formerly Twitter) read:

“Troops of 343 Artillery Regiment conducting anti-oil theft operations on Monday 28 August 2023 cracked down on an oil thieves’ camp in Obokofia community in Imo State. In the crackdown, the vigilant troops intercepted 15 sacks and 13 Jerrycans of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) concealed in the camp.

“The troops also recovered two Pumping machines, three power generators, one hose and a toolbox used for hacking into oil pipelines.

“In a similar operation, also conducted on 28 August 2023, troops of 3 Battalion clamped down on an active illegal oil refining site containing three cooking ovens and six reservoirs at Enokora Community in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State.

“Acting on credible information, troops conducting anti-oil theft operations, on 29 August 2023, intercepted a wooden boat loaded with 110 sacks of illegally refined AGO concealed in the creeks of Egbema West in Ohaji/ Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State.

“The vigilant troops equally intercepted two vehicles loaded with 18 sacks of illegally refined AGO within the same general area.”