By: Zagazola Makama
Troops have uncovered and dismantled a suspected illegal crude oil refining site in the Orashi National Forest, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State, as part of ongoing operations against crude oil theft.
Sources told Zagazola Makama on Tuesday that the operation was conducted between 11:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Saturday by troops of the 103 Battalion (Mechanised), in conjunction with personnel of the 5 Battalion and the 16 Brigade Garrison.
The sources said the troops discovered equipment and materials believed to have been used for illegal crude oil refining during a clearance operation in the forest.
Recovered items included one large oven drum, one large coolant, two small oven drums, one small coolant, a galvanised pipe measuring approximately 400 metres in length, and two sacks containing about 100 litres of suspected stolen crude oil.
According to the sources, all recovered items were handled in accordance with the operational procedures and mandate of the ongoing anti-crude oil theft operation.
The sources added that the operation is part of sustained military efforts to dismantle illegal refining camps, disrupt oil theft networks and safeguard critical oil and gas infrastructure in the Niger Delta.
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