Nigerian Military Unravels Large-Scale Illegal Oil Refining Operation in Rivers State, Seizes 5 Million Liters of Stolen Crude

Nigerian Military Unravels Large-Scale Illegal Oil Refining Operation in Rivers State, Seizes 5 Million Liters of Stolen Crude

The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has successfully uncovered and dismantled a significant illegal oil refining camp in Rivers State…..CONTINUE READING

During a Wednesday operation along the Mirinwanyi channel of the Imo River in the Komkom area of Oyigbo Local Government Area, military forces confiscated five million liters of stolen crude oil stored in a reservoir.

The illegal camp, equipped with makeshift houses, 15 boilers, nine storage tanks, recently acquired pipes, and other costly facilities valued at millions of naira, was discovered by troops led by General Officer Commanding, Maj.-Gen. Jamal Abdussalam. The operation involved the use of speedboats to access the camp deep within the creeks.

Expressing dismay at the situation, Maj. Gen. Abdusalam reiterated the division’s commitment to eradicating all illegal refineries and connections within its area of responsibility. He compared the findings to a previous raid in Odagwa, Etche Local Government, where about three million liters of crude oil were seized, expressing surprise at the scale of the latest illegal activities uncovered.

While no arrests have been made yet, the division is actively pursuing leads to apprehend those responsible for the economic sabotage. Despite the operators fleeing the area, the military is determined to track down the masterminds behind the illicit activities. Maj. Gen. Abdusalam highlighted the complexity of the illegal operation, emphasizing the need for significant financial investment, expertise, and meticulous planning to set up such facilities.

The division vowed to persist in its efforts to combat illegal activities in the region, ensuring the economic and environmental integrity of the area.