Combined security forces descend on oil thieves, destroy refinery in Delta

A coordinated effort by security forces has resulted in the dismantling of an illegal oil refining operation in Owahwa community, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, South-South Nigeria.

The operation, carried out on Saturday 29th July, 2023, involved the Nigerian Army’s 181 Amphibious Battalion, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and Tantita Security, who collaborated to combat the persistent issue of oil theft in the region.

Through strategic surveillance, the combined team effectively identified and targeted the illegal refining site, taking significant steps to protect the nation’s oil sector from economic sabotage.

During the operation, “they discovered and seized 35 modular ovens used for illegal crude oil refining, along with three fabricated reservoirs, 30 dug-out reservoirs, and 75 galvanized pipes.”

The successful raid marks a crucial victory in the ongoing battle against oil thieves.

Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director Army Public Relations, commended the efforts of the security forces and called on all law-abiding Nigerians “to continue supporting such anti-oil theft operations.”

He further encouraged the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to illegal oil refining and bunkering in their communities to the appropriate security agencies.

“By working together, the nation can effectively safeguard its valuable oil resources and combat the menace of oil theft,” he said.