Oil Theft: Troops Destroy Illegal Refinery in Delta (Photo)

Posted by Thandiubani on Thu 24th Aug, 2023 - tori.ng

Director of Army Public Relations, Onyema Nwachukwu, who stated this in a statement on Thursday, said the development followed actionable intelligence made available to the troops.

An illegal refinery site has been destroyed in Ogbokoko and Atu, Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.

The refinery which was in operation was destroyed by troops of 6 Division of the Nigerian Army.

Director of Army Public Relations, Onyema Nwachukwu, who stated this in a statement on Thursday, said the development followed actionable intelligence made available to the troops.

The statement revealed that the operation took place on Wednesday as part of the ongoing war against oil theft in the South-South.

Approximately eight active ovens that were being used to illegally refine stolen crude oil were reportedly destroyed by the troops during the operation, according to Onyema.

He said not less than 14 storage reservoirs containing 200,000 litres of stolen crude oil and 90,000 litres of locally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) were also destroyed.

“The oil thieves fled the scene on sighting the advancement of troops. The illegal refining site was destroyed in situ in line with extant guidelines of Operation Delta Safe. An investigation is ongoing to arrest the fleeing criminals.

“Members of the public are please implored to report any suspected act of sabotage or criminality to security agencies to enhance ongoing operations to curb economic sabotage in the country,” the statement added.