JTF Troops Discover Over 1,800 Litres of Suspected Stolen Crude Oil in Rivers Forest
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force South-South, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), have discovered more than 1,800 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and equipment allegedly used for illegal oil bunkering in Abessa Forest, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The discovery was made at about 7:15 a.m. on Oct. 25, 2026, by troops of 5 Battalion, supported by 16 Brigade Garrison, following a surveillance report from the RAECL drone team.
During the operation, the troops discovered 28 sacks containing an estimated 1,456 litres of suspected stolen crude oil, alongside equipment believed to be associated with illegal refining activities.
The items recovered included a drum oven, a coolant, four plastic buckets, an iron bucket, two pipes measuring approximately 15 metres in total, two additional drum ovens, a reservoir and nine sacks containing an estimated 400 litres of suspected stolen crude oil.
The total volume of crude oil discovered was estimated at approximately 1,856 litres.
The discovered items were handled in accordance with extant regulations, according to the operational report.
The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to curb crude oil theft, illegal refining and other activities contributing to losses in Nigeria's oil-producing region.
