Rita Odafe
In the Niger Delta region, the Nigerian Army has apprehended 15 individuals suspected of participating in oil theft and illegal bunkering activities.
According to Lt.-Col. Danjuma Danjuma, the spokesperson for the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division based in Port Harcourt, these actions took place across Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers states recently.
During the operations, which occurred from January 6 to 12, the army dismantled 32 illegal refineries and seized 14 boats, in addition to apprehending the suspects.
More than 60,000 litres of various petroleum products were also confiscated during these efforts, which are part of a coordinated strategy alongside other security agencies to tackle oil theft in the region.
The operation began in Bille, Degema Local Government Area of Rivers, where soldiers took down seven illegal refining sites, seized 20,000 litres of crude oil, and destroyed two boats.
“We also deactivated ten illegal refineries, numerous crude oil cooking pots, and receivers, recovering about 19,000 litres of stolen petroleum products along the Imo River,” he added.
“In Odagwa, Etche, our troops intercepted three boats carrying approximately 12,000 litres of stolen crude oil and arrested three suspects.
“Similar operations were executed in Abiama, Asa, Obuzor, Okoloma, Ozaa, Ukwa, and Oyigbo,” he continued.
The troops progressed to Nkisa in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers, where they confiscated 1,600 litres of crude oil and 1,200 litres of adulterated diesel.
Additionally, a Toyota van transporting an estimated 1,200 litres of stolen condensate was intercepted along Ndoni Road.
In Buguma, Asari-Toru, Rivers, the soldiers dismantled two illegal refineries, seized 1,500 litres of stolen crude oil, and arrested five suspects.
“In Baberegbene, Southern Ijaw, Bayelsa, our soldiers dismantled an illegal artisanal refinery and intercepted a wooden boat carrying no fewer than 1,500 litres of stolen crude oil,” he stated.
“Additionally, an illegal refining site containing an unmeasured amount of stolen petroleum products was deactivated in Emago-Kugbo and Oluasiri communities in Nembe, Bayelsa.
“The operations proceeded in Akwa Ibom and Delta, where troops maintained a strong presence to prevent economic saboteurs from operating freely,” he concluded.
(NAN)
