By Victor Akaa
Troops of the 6 Division Nigerian Army (NA), have achieved a major breakthrough in their recent anti-illegal bunkering operations in the Niger Delta Region.
Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma Acting Deputy Director 6 Division Army Public Relations said in a statement yesterday that from November 25 to December 1, 2024, the troops deactivated over 56 illegal oil bunkering sanctuaries, 88 cooking drums, and 20 boats.
He noted that the operations also led to the recovery of over 1.2 million liters of stolen crude oil, the arrest of 17 suspected oil thieves, and the interception of seven vehicles. Additionally, six illegal connection points were discovered, and five motorcycles used for economic sabotage were destroyed.
He said the achievements of the troops demonstrate the military’s commitment to combating illegal oil bunkering and protecting the country’s critical national infrastructures.
He highlighted some of the key operational feats including; Bayelsa State, troops deactivated 15 illegal refining sites in Okordia Forest, Yenagoa Local Government Area, recovering over 755,000 liters of stolen crude oil and 53,000 liters of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
In Rivers State, he said troops discovered an illegal connection on a 36-inch government pipeline in Kula I, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, and recovered a ground reservoir with over 100,000 liters of stolen products.
Troops also recorded milestone feats in Delta State, where troops pursued economic saboteurs to Ugo Community in Orhionwon Local Government Area of Edo State, arresting one suspected oil thief and recovering over 40,000 liters of stolen products.
The General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, commended the troops for their operational successes and reassured that the ongoing onslaught against illegal oil bunkering would be sustained to secure critical national infrastructures.
Enugu Reporters noted that the military’s efforts to tackle insecurity have also led to the discovery and destruction of 93 crude oil cooking ovens, 12 dugout pits, 37 boats, 127 drums, 41 storage tanks, and 82 illegal refining sites in the Niger Delta area.
