22 suspected oil thieves arrested, 115 illegal refining sites destroyed by Army
In a continued effort to combat illegal oil bunkering in the Niger Delta, the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, has arrested 22 suspected oil thieves.
According to a statement issued in Port Harcourt by Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 6 Division, the operation also led to the destruction of over 115 illegal refineries and the recovery of 66 boats.
Lt. Col. Danjuma noted that these achievements were the result of various operations conducted by troops in Rivers, Bayelsa, and Delta States last week.
He said: “Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in conjunction with other security agencies, have tightened the noose against illegal artisanal refinery activities and associated crimes in the Niger Delta Region (NDR).
Danjuma said: “In several operations conducted simultaneously last week, troops have effectively denied criminal elements and economic saboteurs freedom of action with tremendous successes recorded.
“Over 115 illegal refining sites, 66 Boats destroyed, 22 suspects arrested, 27 stolen pipes, 4 pumping machines recovered, 5 illegal connections clamped and over 170,000 stolen products confiscated in addition to other ancillary items deactivated.”
“The General Officer Commnading, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Jamal Abdussalam has urged troops to ensure zero tolerance for illegal artisanal refinery activities and associated crimes in the Niger Delta Region.
“He urged critical stakeholders, particularly the communities where these illegalities thrive to rise up to the occasion, giving the devastating effects these criminalities have on their immediate environment and the nation’s economy.”
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