Troops under Operation Delta Safe have destroyed an illegal refining site and recovered about 20,000 litres of stolen crude oil in Rivers State.
According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, the operation was carried out in the Orashi National area of Abua/Odual LGA as part of ongoing efforts to combat oil theft in the Niger Delta.
The raid, which took place around 10:00 a.m. on April 11, involved a joint team from the 5 Battalion, 16 Brigade Garrison, and 103 Battalion (Motorised).
Troops uncovered and dismantled the illegal facility, recovering key equipment used for the operation.
Items found at the site included two long galvanized pipes measuring about 500 metres, three hoses of about 100 metres, and a large reservoir containing stolen crude oil.
Security operatives also discovered a drum oven, a receiver holding refined products estimated at 12,000 litres, and a cooling system.
Additionally, two active small drum ovens and receivers containing suspected kerosene, estimated at about 80 litres, were uncovered.
All recovered items were destroyed on-site in line with the mandate of Operation Delta Safe, as authorities reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining operations against illegal refining and crude oil theft across the Niger Delta.