The troops of the Nigerian Army have uncovered oil thieves’ camps in Owahwa Creek in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on Monday, September 4, 2023.

Nwachukwu said the troops of 181 Amphibious Battalion discovered the sites on Saturday, September 2.

He said the troops discovered 12 active illegal refining sites, 60 crude oil cooking ovens, 14 reservoirs, six wooden boats laden with stolen crude, and 470 sacks of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) concealed in the camps.

The army spokesperson stated that the troops also intercepted a vehicle conveying 25 polythene bags of suspected illegally refined AGO in Ogbodu, Udu Local Government Area of Delta State.

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Nwachukwu said the troops of 3 Battalion, in a similar operation, intercepted two wooden boats ladened with stolen crude in Tsekelewu, Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State.

He said the troops also arrested two suspects in connection with the crime.

The army spokesman noted that the suspects and the illegal products have been handed over to operatives of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) attached to Tantita Security Services for further action.

“Members of the public are please implored to report any suspected act of sabotage or criminality to security agencies to enhance ongoing operations to curb economic sabotage in the country,” he added.

The Star