Working in concert with other security agencies, Nigerian Army troops have deactivated 23 illegal refining sites, deactivated 23 illegal refining sites, and recovered more than 30 000 litres of stolen crude and refined products across the Niger Delta region as part of a continuing crackdown on oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
The Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, who described the operation as part of ongoing pressure to deny criminal elements the right to freedom of action in the area, signed a statement.
Around Kilometer 45 in Degema LGA, six illegal refining sites were discovered in Rivers State, resulting in more than 5, 000 litres of crude oil being stolen. More than 2, 500 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) were recovered at Kula 1 in Akuku-Toru LGA after troops stormed another illegal refining camp using four ovens and four drums. Four suspects have been detained.
According to the statement, Obuzor and Okoloma in Ukwa West and Oyigbo LGAs (Abia and Rivers States) were the targets of clearance operations along the Imo River that resulted in the recovery of numerous drum pots, receivers, and sacks for refining.
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Lt. Col. Danjuma said, “This operation is part of our ongoing pressure on criminal elements, aimed at denying them the right to carry out their own actions in the Niger Delta region.”
The troops worked together with other security organizations to achieve these objectives, he added, and we are still working to end oil theft and environmental degradation as a result of illegal refining.
He emphasized the significance of the arrests and seizures, saying, “These arrests and seizures demonstrate our commitment to stop economic sabotage and protect the safety and integrity of oil facilities.”
In Bayelsa State, troops detonated large refining equipment and recovered more than 6, 000 litres of crude from illegal sites in Biseni and Adibawa (Yenagoa LGA). Two suspects were discovered with locally manufactured pistols and 9mm ammunition at Otueke in the Ogbia LGA.
In addition, a warehouse in Ukanafun LGA, Akwa Ibom, was searched, resulting in 131 nylon bags filled with more than 3, 930 litres of stolen goods. More than 300 litres of illegally refined AGO were intercepted at Ebughu in the Mbo LGA.
A vacuum truck loaded with crude oil was intercepted at Oleh in Isoko North LGA, while 150 sacks of stolen oil were found in a tanker park in Kwale, Ndokwa East LGA. Before being arrested, the driver fled.
Source: Channels TV
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