The Nigerian Army, 6 Division Port Harcourt, says it has dealt a significant blow to oil thieves in Rivers and Imo States, destroying 46 illegal crude oil refining sites.
Acting Deputy Director, Six Division Army Public Relations, Major Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, said the military’s efforts aim to combat oil theft, deny criminal elements freedom of action in the creeks, waterways, and rivulets, ensuring security and stability in the region.
Danjuma in a statement sighted by SweetCrude Reports said the operation, conducted in conjunction with other security agencies, has yielded significant results.
According to him, troops have effectively taken out over 37 illegal refining sites, identified 10 illegal connection points, and destroyed six wooden boats used for conveying stolen products.
He said troops also arrested nine suspected oil thieves, impounded seven vehicles, eight motorcycles, four trucks, and several pumping machines as well as confiscation over 221,000 litres of illegally refined products.
The statement further noted that these achievements were in addition to frustrating the criminals’ several attempts at establishing new illegal bunkering hubs in the region.
The statement reads in part, “In Rivers State, around Imo River, in the general area of Owaza and Odogwa Creeks, troops confiscated over 15,000 litres of stolen crude in a large wooden boat.
“The same feat was also recorded at Okoloma and Obuzor Creeks, where troops deactivated nine active illegal refining sites, destroyed five wooden boats, and several motorcycles as well as confiscated over 13,000 litres of stolen products.
“Also, along road Ebocha in Ndoni, a reservoir with over 8,500 litres of stolen products, 116 sacks stocked with over 7,000 stolen products were recovered. Additionally, 10 empty metal drums, 10 metal pipes, and one motorcycle were also recovered. Troops also intercepted one suspect in a Toyota Camry with plate number KTU423EC Lagos with over 2,000 litres of stolen products.
“Similarly, along Ndoni/Obiafu road, troops intercepted a suspect who fled on sighting troops and abandoned a Toyota Sienna with plate number Lagos EPE789JC conveying stolen products. In the same vein, a Volvo car without a plate number was intercepted with 36 sacks with products estimated to be over 2,000 litres.”
