By Victor Akaa.
In a series of operations conducted last week, troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in conjunction with other security agencies, have made significant strides in dismantling illegal artisanal refineries and associated crimes in the Niger Delta Region.
The Acting Deputy Director 6 Division Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Danjuma said over 115 illegal refining sites were destroyed, 66 boats were taken out, and 22 suspects were arrested.
Additionally, 27 stolen pipes, 4 pumping machines, and 5 illegal connections were recovered, while over 170,000 stolen products were confiscated.
In Bayelsa State, troops conducted operations in the Ibidi general area, Twon Brass, and Agip Terminal, where several illegal refining sites, boats, and stolen products were intercepted.
Similar successes were recorded in Rivers State, where troops destroyed over 79 illegal refining sites, 59 wooden boats, and recovered over 40,000 stolen products.
In Delta State, troops intercepted a wooden boat with over 40 sacks of illegally refined products, while in Akwa Ibom State, troops continued to dominate the waterways and hinterland, denying criminal elements freedom of action.
The suspects have been handed over to the appropriate security agency for prosecution, while confiscated products have been handled appropriately.
The General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, has urged troops to maintain zero tolerance for illegal artisanal refinery activities and associated crimes in the Niger Delta Region.
