Troops of the Nigerian Army under Joint Task Force South-South, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), have discovered nine illegal refining sites and recovered an estimated 4,650 litres of stolen crude oil products in Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Security sources said the operation was conducted at about 8:15 a.m. on November 1, 2026, by troops of 5 Battalion, working with 16 Brigade Guards, at Aminigboko.

The sources said troops conducted an anti-illegal bunkering operation in Ogbogolo and Ozochi forests, where they discovered nine illegal refineries.

During the operation, troops recovered 93 sacks of stolen crude oil products, estimated at 4,650 litres.

Other items recovered included nine long cooking drums, four receiver drums, eight cooler drums, seven long pipes, three drums, three iron buckets and eight rubber buckets.

The recovered items were handled in accordance with extant regulations.

The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to combat illegal bunkering, crude oil theft and other activities threatening critical oil and gas infrastructure in the Niger Delta. (Zagazola)