Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Nigerian Army, 6th Division Port Harcourt, has uncovered an illegal refining camp with the capacity of 2.8million litres of crude oil, in a forest within Odagwa community, Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The General Officer Commanding, 6th Division, Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Jamal Abdussalam, at the scene of incident, noted that the illegal refinery has 49 boilers for crude oil processing and 14 large reservoirs with 200,000 litres of crude oil each, amounting to 2.8 million litres.
Abdussalam explained that the discovery was part of the Nigerian Army’s effort in ensuring that federal government get resources to fund the national budget and improve the nation’s economy for the betterment of sector in the country.
He said, “Based on credible intelligence, we have discovered 14 reservoirs that can contain 200,000 litres of crude, 49 boilers and network of pipes and cables in the area. The quantity of crude oil we have discovered here is in excess of the daily production of Nigeria which is a sad thing to note.
“This is about 2.8million litres of crude oil stored in the reservoir, we are not even taking about the quantity of crude oil that has been processed. Just outside this bush there are so many wellheads, most of them are not in use.
“Few arrests have been made, however, those arrested are not the major players in this business. They are just carriers, the main players have not been caught but since we have found this place, proper investigations will be carried out.”
Asked on what next for the illegal refinery, the GOC said the Army lacks the capacity to handle such quantity of crude oil, hence relevant authorities and agencies have been notified on the development.
He also said the illegal refinery will be dismantled and advised those involved in crude oil theft, illegal refining and illegal oil bunkering activities to repent and venture into a more legal jobs, as he will not relent in going after them.
