Soldiers from the 29 Battalion under Operation Delta Safe have shut down an illegal refining camp and recovered 600 litres of suspected stolen crude in Oyigbo LGA, Rivers State.

The discovery was made at about 10:00 a.m. on May 12, 2026, during ongoing anti-oil theft patrols in the Niger Delta. Security sources said the site was found near Asa community, where troops saw a large cooking pot and sacks filled with crude oil.

Officials said the products and equipment were handled according to standard procedures for dealing with illegal refineries under Operation Delta Safe. The operation ended without any clash.

The military noted that it is maintaining pressure on oil thieves and illegal refiners in the region to curb economic sabotage and safeguard crude oil infrastructure