Nigerian Army Uncovers Illegal Refinery with 5 Million Litres Capacity in Rivers State

Soldiers from the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt have uncovered an illicit refining site with a capacity to process up to 5 million litres of crude oil.

Located in Obuama Community of Oyigbo local government area, the discovery marks yet another blow to illegal oil operations in the region.

Major General Jamal Abdulsalam, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 6 Division, expressed strong condemnation of the activities of vandals, emphasizing their determination to disrupt the nation’s economy through illicit oil dealings.

He vowed that the Nigerian Army would intensify efforts to apprehend the masterminds behind such economic crimes.

During a briefing after leading journalists on a tour of the site, Gen. Abdulsalam urged youths to pursue lawful endeavours, cautioning that individuals involved in oil theft would face consequences regardless of their societal status.

The GOC announced that the seized products, along with over five wooden boats each carrying approximately 2,000 litres of adulterated petroleum products, would be handed over to relevant authorities for further action.

In a separate development, Gen. Abdulsalam emphasized the indispensable role of peace in fostering the development of the Niger Delta region.

During a courtesy visit to the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, at the commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt, he stressed the need for collaboration between the NDDC and the Army.

Acknowledging the NDDC’s contribution, particularly in providing solar-powered streetlights at Army Barracks across four Niger Delta states, Gen. Abdulsalam appealed for continued support in enhancing facilities within the barracks under the purview of the 6 Division.

Highlighting the division’s responsibility in safeguarding oil and gas infrastructure in the region, which spans across Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Delta states, the GOC reiterated the significance of cooperation in achieving common goals.