Troops Clampdown On Illegal Oil Refining Site In Delta

In a sustained effort to deny oil thieves freedom of action in South South Nigeria and protect the Oil sector from economic sabotage, troops of 181 Amphibious Battalion of the Nigerian Army (NA) operating in 6 Division Area of Responsibility, in  conjunction with operatives of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), as well as operatives of Tantita Security, have uncovered a major illegal oil refining site at Owahwa community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.

The combined team of anti oil theft troops made the discovery weekend in a sting operation following a surveillance report on the illicit activities of illegal oil refiners in the area.

According to a statement by Brigadier General, Onyema Nwachukwu ,Director Army Public Relations on Sunday, 30 July 2023, the vigilant troops on storming the illegal refining site, discovered 35 Modular Ovens used for illegal refining of crude oil, 3 fabricated Reservoirs, 30 Dug out Reservoirs and 75 Galvanized pipes.

He said that the operatives have since clamped down the illegal refining site.

He noted that the Nigerian Army enjoined all law abiding citizens to continue to support the ongoing anti oil theft operations by reporting all suspected illicit oil refining and bunkering activities in their areas to the security agencies.

Meanwhile, the Theatre Commander (TC) Major General GU Chibuisi, recently, embarked on an operational tour of Sector 2 Joint Task Force (JTF) North East (NE) Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) Damaturu, Yobe State.

He was received during the visit by the Commander Sector 2 JTF (NE) OPHK, Maj Gen MLD Saraso, where he was also briefed on activities of the sector.

Addressing troops during the visit, at Headquarters Sector 2, the TC charged them  to always be at alert and remain vigilant against emerging threats. He also urged them to decisively deal with insurgence and other criminal elements in the AOR.

The TC further enjoined troops to remain committed in the fight against insurgency and other criminal activitivies just as he urged both officers and soldiers to always maintain very good relationship with the members of public, in order to get positive information that will assist in  ongoing operations across the Theatre.

TC however warned troops against involvement in any act of misconduct which could  jeopardize  operations, assuring that he will do the best he can to address the challenges facing the various sectors within the theatre of Operations.

Highlights of the visit were group photograph, tour to level 11 Field Hospital, New Barracks, and Detention facility within the Barracks. There after proceeded to other Units under Sector 2 AOR.