The Nigerian Army seized almost three million gallons of stolen crude oil from an illegal refinery in Rivers State.
The stolen oil was seized on Thursday during a raid led by the Nigerian Army’s General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Major General Jamal Abdusallam.
The Nigerian Army raided the illicit refinery complex in Akwa-Odiogwa, Etche Local Government Area.
The Army searched the region and uncovered several types of equipment used for illegal refining, as well as arrested certain craftsmen who helped transport illegally processed items.
“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.