AS part of renewed effort to end illegal oil bunkering in the Niger Delta region, the Nigeria Army said it has in conjunction with other sister agencies arrested 22 suspected oil thieves.
In a statement in Port Harcourt by the Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, further disclosed that over 115 artisanal refineries were destroyed while 66 boats were recovered.
Danjuma in the statement, yesterday, revealed that the success was recorded in different operations carried out by troops in Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta States.
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 Commanding, 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.”
