By Victor Akaa.
In a remarkable display of determination and bravery, troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in conjunction with other security agencies, have sustained a relentless onslaught against economic saboteurs in the Niger Delta Region (NDR).
This concerted effort has yielded astounding results, with the dismantling of 20 illegal refining sites, the arrest of 8 suspected oil thieves, and the deactivation of 21 boats used for criminal activities.
Furthermore, a staggering 90,000 litres of stolen products were recovered in the ongoing anti-bunkering operations in the region, marking a significant milestone in the fight against economic sabotage.
The achievements, recorded between December 23 and 29, 2024, are a testament to the effectiveness of the joint operations and the unwavering commitment of the troops to protecting the nation’s economy.
Following a tip-off on illegal activities in the Buguma general area of Asari-Toru LGA, troops responded swiftly, leading to the discovery of a massive tarpaulin storage reservoir and a wooden boat containing over 37,000 litres of stolen condensates. In a related operation, troops engaged in a gun duel with criminal elements at the Ogajiama axis of Buguma/Bakana general area, resulting in the suspects fleeing due to superior firepower.
The troops also successfully handled an illegal refining site, a big pot, and a receiver containing 9,000 litres of illegally refined Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK). Additionally, three locally made boats were intercepted in the area while attempting to load crude from an abandoned wellhead, and three suspected oil thieves were arrested during the operations.
In another significant development, two illegal refining sites, four fibre boats, and three wooden boats were intercepted around Krakrama Community in Degema LGA, along with approximately 2,000 litres of stolen crude.
The operations also yielded impressive results in other areas, including the confiscation of 27 locally made ovens and 31 sacks loaded with over 2,000 litres of stolen products at Gbede in Omoku. At Odagwa – Imo Riverside in Etche LGA, one illegal refining site, two drum pots, a wooden boat, and over 3,500 litres of stolen products were recovered.
Moreover, seven illegal refining sites, six boats, 122 drum pots, 49 drum receivers, and over 10,000 litres of stolen products were recovered at the fringes of Imo River.
In Bayelsa State, one illegal refining site was dismantled at Biseni Forest in Yenagoa LGA, with approximately 8,000 litres of stolen products confiscated.
Troops also uncovered an attempt to vandalize one of the inactive Shell Petroleum Development Company’s flowlines at Well 20 by unknown persons at Opukushi general area in Ekeremor LGA. In Akwa Ibom State, 11 drums of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) loaded with about 3,080 litres were intercepted at Enwang II in Mbo LGA, and a follow-up operation revealed that the products were sourced from a loading point at Dazele Filling Station, Ibaka.
The General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, has commended the troops for their unwavering commitment to the joint operations and charged them to maintain vigilance in the Joint Operations Area.
He also appealed to the good people of the region to continue providing actionable intelligence to troops on the criminal activities of economic saboteurs in the region. As the nation continues to grapple with the challenges of economic sabotage, the bravery and determination of the troops offer a beacon of hope for a safer and more secure future.
