Report: Nigerian troops uncover major illegal refining site in Delta

Troops of 181 Amphibious Battalion of the Nigerian Army operating in 6 Division in conjunction with operatives of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps and operatives of Tantita Security, have uncovered a major illegal oil refining site at Owahwa community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.

A statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu on Sunday said a combined team of anti-oil theft made the discovery on Saturday, 29 July, 2023 following a surveillance report on the illicit activities of illegal oil refiners in the area.

“Storming the illegal refining site, Troops discovered 35 Modular Ovens used for illegal refining of crude oil, 3 fabricated Reservoirs, 30 Dug out Reservoirs and 75 Galvanized pipes.

“The Nigerian Army enjoins citizens to continue to support the ongoing anti oil theft operations by reporting suspected illicit oil refining and bunkering activities in their areas to the security agencies,” he said.

Nwachukwu added that the operatives had since clamped down on the illegal refining site.