TROOPS OF 6 DIVISION NIGERIAN ARMY ARREST NINE SUSPECTED VANDALS, DEACTIVATE TEN ILLEGAL REFINING SITES IN NIGER DELTA REGION
BY GABRIEL OKECHUKWU
Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, alongside other security agencies, have achieved remarkable milestones in the bid to end oil theft in Niger Delta region.
In a statement from Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel DANJUMA JONAH, the achievements were recorded during intensified operations from first to twenty sixth of April.
The sustained tempo of operations led to the arrest of nine suspected oil thieves, deactivation of ten illegal refining sites, confiscation of over 130,000 litres of stolen crude oil, as well as over 26,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO); in addition to Several equipment used for oil theft which were destroyed.
The confiscated products by estimation worth over Two Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (₦250,000,000.00).
According to the statement, in Rivers State, several operations were conducted in the creeks, and hinterland through quick responses and credible intelligence as troops intercepted an abandoned truck at Ukpeye Community, along East-West Road, in Ahoada East Local Government Area (LGA).
The truck was discovered to have been loaded with 45,000 litres of stolen products.
As revealed in the statement, at Orashi National Forest in Ahoada West LGA, a massive reservoir filled with over 35,000 litres of stolen crude oil was uncovered.
“Additionally, another reservoir containing over 26,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) was uncovered, with several galvanized pipes used for siphoning crude oil destroyed.”
“At Ebocha, Omoku, in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, troops confiscated 266 sacks filled with 17,760 litres of stolen products.”
The Statement also noted that at Abessa Forest, in Ahoada West LGA, troops discovered four drum ovens and 50 sacks containing over 3,000 litres of crude oil, while two identified waste pits were destroyed.
Around Okolomade in Abua/Odual LGA, troops discovered 30 sacks containing over 1,500 litres of stolen crude oil.
Similarly In Delta State, around Obazogbe Community in Ethiope LGA, troops uncovered a tapping point with a dugout storage pit located 500 metres away, filled with over 2,700 litres of stolen products.
In Akwa Ibom State, as contained in the statement, troops uncovered 45 bags containing a 1,350-litre stockpile of illegally refined AGO at Ikot Ekpene LGA.
The Statement said, “the suspected oil thieves abandoned the stolen products and fled the area.”
“Troops have also effectively dominated Bayelsa State, denying oil thieves freedom of action.”
Meanwhile, the Deputy Director 6 Division Army Public Relations remarked in the statement that the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah commended the troops for their resilience.
According to him, the GOC charged Troops to sustain the operational tempo against economic saboteurs and associated crimes across Niger Delta Region, to increase national earnings through increased oil production.
