The Nigerian Army says it has confiscated over 3 million litres of stolen crude oil at an illegal refinery operating in Rivers State.
The stolen crude oil was confiscated on Thursday during a raid led by Major General Jamal Abdusallam, the General Officer Commanding 6 Division of the Nigerian Army.
The men of the Nigerian Army busted the illegal refinery site in Akwa-Odiogwa, in the Etche Local Government Area of the state.
Combing the area, the Army reportedly discovered various kinds of equipment used for illegal refining and arrested some artisans alleged to have aided the transportation of illegally refined products.
“This place is thickly forested and even from the air, using helicopters and drones, you won’t be able to see what we saw on the ground.
“Credible intelligence led us to this location. We have discovered so many illegalities that took us here. We have seen reservoirs that contain upwards of 200 litres,” the general said.
On arrests made, he said, “A few arrests have been made, however those that have been arrested are not major players, they are just carriers, so they are labourers.”
He warned those involved in the operation of illegal refineries to desist, repent and venture into legitimate businesses.
“We will not relent, we will continue to go after them,” he said.
