The Nigerian Army has announced the successful destruction of several illegal refining sites in Rivers and Bayelsa States. The operations, conducted by troops from the Land Component of the Joint Task Force South-South, under Operation Delta Safe, targeted illicit oil refining activities in the Niger Delta region.

Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, revealed the details in a statement issued from Port Harcourt on Wednesday. Danjuma emphasized that the intensified operations are part of a broader effort to combat illegal oil bunkering and increase oil production in the region.

According to the statement, troops in Rivers State, specifically from Sector 3, identified and destroyed three illegal refining sites in Odagwa, Etche Local Government Area, based on credible intelligence. Over 30,000 liters of stolen and illegally refined products were confiscated and destroyed during these operations.

In addition, troops operating around Akaso field and Cawthorne Channel discovered another illegal refining site, along with three receivers and extensive connecting pipes used to transport stolen crude to these sites.

In Bayelsa State, Sector 2 troops conducted routine patrols along Dasaba Creek in Nembe LGA, resulting in the seizure of over 12,000 liters of stolen and illegally refined products. The operation also led to the recovery of a fiber boat, five ovens, several metal drums, and large storage reservoirs used in the illegal refining process.

The statement highlighted the army’s commitment to enforcing Operation Delta Safe’s mandate and curbing illegal oil activities in the Niger Delta region.