Troops of 343 Artillery Regiment attached to the Oando Oil Company in Omoku have uncovered a large cache of illegally refined crude oil concealed within the riverine area of Ebocha Egi LII in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Military sources, according to a report by a security expert, Zagazola Makama, said the discovery was made on May 13 during a routine patrol and surveillance operation in the area.

The report published on X indicated that the troops recovered about 7,800 litres of suspected illegally refined crude oil, stored in 130 sacks and concealed along the riverine corridor.

According to the sources, the recovered products were handled in line with existing directives under Operation Delta Safe.

Military authorities stated that follow-up operations were ongoing to track down individuals and networks involved in crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in the region.