Troops of the Joint Task Force South-South Operation Delta Safe have intensified their crackdown on illegal oil activities, destroying an illicit refining site and recovering about 20,000 litres of stolen crude oil in Rivers State.
The operation was carried out in the Orashi National area of Abua/Odual Local Government Area and was made public through a post on X by security analyst Zagazola Makama.
According to security sources, the raid took place around 10:00 a.m. on April 11 and involved a coordinated effort by troops from the 5 Battalion, 16 Brigade Garrison, and 103 Battalion (Motorised).
During the operation, troops uncovered a range of equipment used for illegal refining activities. These included two long galvanized pipes measuring approximately 500 metres, as well as three hoses estimated at about 100 metres.
A large reservoir containing an estimated 20,000 litres of stolen crude oil was also discovered at the site. In addition, troops recovered a big drum oven and a receiver holding refined products estimated at about 12,000 litres.
Further inspection of the location revealed a large cooling system, two active small drum ovens, and two drum receivers containing substances suspected to be kerosene, estimated at about 80 litres.
Following the discovery, all equipment and materials used for the illegal operation were destroyed at the site.
“They said all discovered items were destroyed in situ in line with the mandate of Operation Delta Safe,” the sources said.
The operation underscores ongoing efforts by security forces to dismantle illegal refining networks and curb crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region.
Security sources reiterated that troops will continue sustained operations aimed at disrupting illegal activities and protecting critical national resources.
