By Victor Akaa
In a significant victory against economic saboteurs, the Nigerian Army (NA) has dealt a crushing blow to oil thieves in the Niger Delta Region.
The Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations 6 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, in a statement, said the ongoing anti-illegal bunkering operations, conducted from December 9-15, 2024, have yielded impressive results.
He said the operations had achieved significant feats with the deactivation of 42 illegal refining sites, arrest of 29 suspected oil thieves, and confiscation of 197,000 liters of stolen products.
According to the statement, the operations, which were carried out in Bayelsa, Rivers, and Delta States, also resulted in the demobilization of 32 boats, 12 vehicles, and eight motorcycles used for economic sabotage in the NDR.
Reports say the Nigerian Army’s efforts have sent a strong message to oil thieves that their illegal activities will no longer be tolerated.
In Bayelsa State, troops conducted several operations, including the deactivation of four newly established illegal refining sites in Biseni Forest, Yenagoa Local Government Area (LGA), with the recovery of about 37,000 liters of stolen crude.
Similar successes were recorded in Rivers State, where three illegal refining sites, one wooden and five fiber boats, were intercepted with over 30,000 liters of stolen crude.
The Nigerian Army’s General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, commended the troops for their efforts and reassured that the ongoing operations would be sustained to achieve the target set for December 2024.
This development is a significant step towards curbing the menace of oil theft in Nigeria, which has been a major challenge to the country’s economy. The Nigerian Army’s efforts are a testament to their commitment to protecting the nation’s resources and ensuring the economic stability of the country.
In related news, troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, have also deactivated over 15 illegal refining sites, arrested ten suspects, and dismantled over 30 cooking pots.
Additionally, the Nigerian Army has deactivated 56 illegal refining sites in the Niger Delta. These efforts demonstrate the Nigerian Army’s resolve to combat oil theft and economic sabotage in the region.
According to the statement, the successes recorded by the Nigerian Army are a clear indication that the war against oil theft is being won.
The deactivation of illegal refining sites, arrest of suspects, and confiscation of stolen products will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the economy.
As the Nigerian Army continues to sustain its operations, oil thieves are being sent a strong message that their illegal activities will no longer be tolerated.
