By Victor Akaa.
The Nigerian Army’s ongoing anti-illegal oil bunkering operations in the Niger Delta Region have yielded significant successes, with troops recording numerous operational breakthroughs.
The latest clampdown has seen the dismantling of over 32 illegal bunkering sites, the arrest of several suspects, and the destruction of 54 locally constructed boats used for criminality.
This was revealed by the Acting Deputy Director 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma to newsmen on Monday.
Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma highlighted the successes recorded by the troops, including Rivers, Delta, and Bayelsa states within the region.
In Rivers State, troops conducted several successful operations, deactivating two illegal refining sites at Omoku in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, recovering 45,000 litres of stolen crude, and destroying 21 wooden boats used for criminality.
Additionally, six drums filled with over 1,200 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and two mini tanks with over 3,000 litres of stolen products were confiscated.
He further highlighted some successes recorded in Rivers State, including the destruction of 14 illegal refining sites, 102 cooking drums, 10 ovens, and 12 boats at VIP Creek and the new Jerusalem in Okrika Local Government Area.
He said several dugout pits containing over 15,000 litres of stolen products were also handled.
In Bayelsa State, the Acting Deputy Director said troops conducted strangulation operations, deactivating two illegal refining sites at Olukama 1 and Amalaghakiri general areas in Nembe Local Government Area, recovering over 5,000 litres of stolen products.
Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma noted that two illegal refining sites were also destroyed at Bolo Bikini general area, with over 4,500 litres of stolen products recovered.
He said Delta State also witnessed significant operational successes, with the interception of a tipper truck carrying 30 drums of stolen condensates and the arrest of two suspects.
Two active illegal refining sites were taken out North of Benneth Island in Warri South Local Government Area, with several holding facilities destroyed.
He added that troops also recovered various equipment, including drilling machines, shovels, spanners, nuts and bolts, electric cables, valve covers, tarpaulins, and packs of electrons. Two trucks carrying over 30,000 litres each of stolen products were arrested along Port Harcourt Ikot Abasi road in Akwa Ibom State.
He said the Nigerian Army’s commitment to combating illegal oil bunkering activities is evident in its ongoing operations, noting that these successes recorded underscore the effectiveness of collaborative efforts between security agencies and the military.
According to him, they also demonstrate the Nigerian Army’s resolve to protect the nation’s oil infrastructure and prevent economic sabotage.
He reiterated the military’s commitment to ensuring the security of the Niger Delta Region and safeguarding the country’s economic interests.
