Troops dismantle illegal refining site in Rivers, destroy equipment
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force South-South under Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) have dismantled an illegal refining site and destroyed equipment used for illicit petroleum refining in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted between 10:30 a.m. and 4:20 p.m. on July 17 during an anti-illegal bunkering patrol by troops of 103 Battalion (Mechanised).
The sources said the troops discovered the illegal refining site within Ogbogolo Community, where they recovered two locally fabricated refining ovens, two coolants, two reservoirs and two pipes measuring approximately 150 metres in length.
The recovered equipment was handled and destroyed in accordance with the mandate of Operation Delta Safe to combat crude oil theft, illegal refining and related economic sabotage in the Niger Delta.
Military authorities said troops remain committed to sustaining operations against illegal bunkering activities and protecting Nigeria’s critical oil and gas infrastructure across the region.
