In close collaboration with various security agencies, troops from the Nigerian Army’s (6 Division) deactivated 13 artisanal refineries, detained 23 suspected oil thieves, and seized more than 180,000 litres of stolen goods around the area.
This was said in a statement by Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations.
He claimed that more than 45,000 litres of illegally refined automotive petrol oil (AGO) in sacks were found hidden at various points throughout a very dangerous forested area as a result of operations carried out in Rivers State, specifically in the Orachi/Okolomade general area in the Abia/Odual Local Government Area (LGA).
He added that around Obiafo in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA (ONELGA), an active illegal refining site was destroyed with over 28,000 litres of stolen crude recovered in two reservoirs.
“One suspect was arrested in the area, while others fled on sighting troops,” he said, adding that an 800 meters long hose and pumping machine were recovered.
READ ALSO: Anele takes over as first female army spokesperson
Troops also carried out an operation in the Bonny LGA’s Peterside Community, uncovering an illegal refining station and recovering over 10,000 litres of stolen goods along with three pots and receivers.
Similarly, two wooden boats carrying more than 3,000 litres of illegally processed AGO were detained in a rapid operation along Obrikom-Omoku. Seven accused oil thieves were also arrested in connection with the horrific crime.
Following reliable information, troops in Akwa Ibom State stopped a tanker truck with registration number 1430 LA that was carrying 39,994 litres of stolen goods in Itu LGA along the Itu-Calabar route.
In relation to the seizure, two suspected oil thieves were taken into custody.
In Bayelsa State, around Biseni in Yenagoa Local Government Area (YELGA), troops discovered an illegal refining site with over 2,600 litres of AGO in sacks.
At Adibawa area, also in YELGA, over 2,500 litres of stolen crude and 1,100 litres of illegally refined AGO in sacks were recovered. Also, recovered were eight wheelbarrows used for the illicit activities.
The General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah has called on troops to sustain the pressure on all forms of economic sabotage in the region.
He equally called on the good people of the region to continue to support military operations by providing credible information on the activities of criminals in their domain to the security agencies
