Troops of the Nigerian Army 6 Division have in a series of operations conducted in the last one week, confiscated over 180,000 litres of stolen products, arresting 23 suspected oil thieves and deactivating 13 artisanal refineries in the Niger Delta region.
Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, disclosed this in a statement, adding that the operations were conducted in synergy with other security agencies.
According to him, in one of the operations, troops recovered over 45,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in sacks, concealed at different locations within a very treacherous forested area in Orachi/Okolomade, Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State.
In Obiafo, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, an active illegal refining site was destroyed, and over 28,000 litres of stolen crude were recovered in two reservoirs.
He said one suspect was arrested, while others fled upon sighting the troops during the operation,. Additionally, an 800-meter long hose and pumping machine were recovered.
In Peterside Community, Bonny Local Government Area, troops uncovered an illegal refining site, where three pots and receivers and over 10,000 litres of stolen products were recovered.
Besides,along Obrikom-Omoku, two wooden boats conveying over 3,000 litres of illegally refined AGO were intercepted, and seven suspected oil thieves were apprehended.
In Akwa Ibom State, following credible intelligence, troops intercepted a tanker with Registration number 1430 LA filled with 39,994 litres of stolen products along Itu – Calabar highway in Itu LGA.
He stated that two suspected oil thieves were arrested in connection to the seizure. Further probe led to the discovery of fake waybill papers in possession of the criminal elements. Similar operation was also conducted along Abak – Ikomima road in Uyo LGA, which led to the interception of a truck with Registration number 22689 LA ladened with 39,985 litres of stolen crude.
“The products were also said to be conveyed with fake papers. Closely related was a sting operation conducted at Ibio Ndot Community in Orok Anam LGA, where troops discovered 103 nylon bags filled with over 3,090 litres of illegally refined AGO concealed in a Cassava farm,” Danjuma said.
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. This was in addition to six suspected oil thieves arrested at the scene.
While, in Delta State, troops have continued to disrupt the activities of the criminal elements. This has resonated effectively as economic saboteurs were denied freedom of action.
