Troops uncover illegal crude oil storage site in Rivers state

Troops uncover illegal crude oil storage site in Rivers state

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Joint Task Force, South-South, Operation Delta Safe (JTF-SS-OPDS), have uncovered an illegal crude oil storage and bunkering site in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Security sources said the discovery was made at about 9:00 a.m. on March 30 during an anti-illegal oil bunkering operation conducted by troops of 5 Battalion in collaboration with 103 Battalion.

According to the sources, the operation led to the recovery of about 10,000 litres of stolen crude oil stored in drums and reservoirs within Okarki Forest.

The sources added that troops also discovered three small drums, three drum receivers, three coolant containers and a large reservoir used for storage of the stolen product.

Other items recovered include two galvanized pipes measuring about 15 metres each, five hoses estimated at about 50 metres in length, and three sacks containing suspected Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) estimated at about 125 litres.

The sources said the recovered items were handled in accordance with established operational procedures under Operation Delta Safe directives.

They added that efforts are ongoing to track and dismantle other illegal bunkering networks operating within the area.

Troops uncover illegal crude oil storage site in Rivers state