The Nigerian Army has announced the apprehension of six laborers at an illicit oil refinery capable of producing around three million liters of adulterated petroleum products in a matter of weeks. The makeshift refining facility, concealed over 40 plots of land beneath dense forest cover to avoid detection from aerial surveillance, was discovered in the Odagwa community in the Etche Local Government Area of Rivers.
Maj.-Gen. Jamaal Abdussalam, the General Officer Commanding, GOC, 6 Division, Nigeria Army, Port Harcourt, led journalists to the site, revealing that investigations indicated the operators were pilfering crude oil from a wellhead at Imo River 2 Oil and Gas Oil field in the community.
The GOC emphasized that the illegal refinery’s strategic forested location made it virtually invisible to helicopters or drones. The operation was conducted based on credible intelligence, leading to the uncovering of numerous illegal activities.
During the raid, troops discovered over 14 reservoirs, each capable of storing more than 200,000 liters of crude oil. Additionally, they found 49 boilers for processing crude oil, along with cables, tools, and an extensive network of pipes throughout the area. The amount of crude oil discovered at the site surpassed Nigeria’s daily crude export, indicating the severity of the issue.
Maj.-Gen. Abdussalam expressed concern over the adverse impact of crude oil theft on the nation’s economy and citizens’ living conditions. He highlighted the reliance of the national budget on crude oil proceeds and expressed dismay at the ongoing sabotage of oil installations.
Assuring that the illegal site would be dismantled, the GOC pledged to conduct thorough intelligence and investigations to apprehend the main operators behind the criminal enterprise. He urged those involved in illegal bunkering activities to cease immediately and adopt legitimate means of livelihood. This incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Nigerian authorities in combating illegal oil activities, emphasizing the need for sustained efforts to address the economic and environmental implications for the country.