Niger Delta Raid: JTF Shuts Down Artisanal Refineries, Detains 8 Suspects

The Nigerian Army has intensified its crackdown on illegal refining operations in Rivers State, with troops from the 5 Battalion arresting eight suspects and seizing over 2,000 litres of condensates. The arrests were made along the Orashi River in the Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Area, where the suspects were transporting illegal products on motorcycles.

In a related operation, troops from the 29 Battalion destroyed nine illegal refining sites around the Imo River, seizing over 15,000 litres of illegally refined products. The suspects have been handed over to the relevant authorities for prosecution.

Additionally, troops from the 63 Brigade, supported by other security agencies, dismantled illegal refining sites along the River Niger, near Ndokwa East and Ndoni LGAs in Delta and Rivers States. The operation resulted in the destruction of several items, including cooking pots, storage tanks, and over 2,000 litres of crude oil.

Two wooden boats containing over 10,000 litres of condensates were also seized after being abandoned by criminals in the creeks. The Nigerian Army urged residents to report any criminal activities to security agencies, highlighting the significant environmental hazards posed by these illegal operations.