By ZAKAA LAZARUS, Abuja
Troops of 6 Division Nigerian Army have scaled up clearance operations in the creeks, waterways and rivulets aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of action in the Niger Delta Region (NDR).
While conducting operations at different fronts in conjunction with other security agencies, across the Joint Operations Area (JOA), troops have effectively taken out over 37 illegal refining sites, identified 10 illegal connection points and destroyed 6 wooden boats used for conveying stolen products.
In a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director,
6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah said the Operations included the arrest of 9 suspected oil thieves, 7 vehicles, 8 motorcycles used for the nefarious activities, 4 trucks, several pumping machines as well as confiscation over 221,000 litres illegally refined products.
According to him, “these was in addition to frustrating the criminals several attempts at establishing new illegal bunkering hubs in the region.
“In Rivers State, around Imo River, in the general area of Owaza and Odogwa Creeks, troops confiscated over 15,000 litres of stolen crude in a large wooden boat.
“Same feat was also recorded at Okoloma and Obuzor Creeks, where troops deactivated 9 active illegal refining sites, destroyed 5 wooden boats, several motorcycles as well as confiscated over 13,000 litres of stolen products.
“Also, along road Ebocha Ndoni, a reservoir with over 8,500 litres of stolen products, 116 sacks stocked with over 7,000 stolen products were recovered.
“Additionally, 10 empty metal drums, 10 metal pipes and one motorcycle were also recovered.
“Troops, also intercepted one suspect in a Toyota Camry with Reg No KTU 423 EC Lagos with over 2,000 litres of stolen products.
“Similarly, along road Ndoni Obiafo, troops intercepted a suspect who fled on sighting troops and abandoned a Toyota Sienna with Reg No Lagos EPE 789 JC conveying stolen products.
“In the same vein, a Volvo car without Reg No was intercepted with 36 sacks with products estimated to be over 2,000.
“In Aga Community, Omoku at Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA), troops confiscated 16 empty newly constructed locally made drums for illegal refining of crude oil in a desperate attempt to establish new illegal oil bunkering hub.
“In Ikwerede community, also at ONELGA, troops deactivated illegal refining sites with 15 reserviors and over 5,000 litres of stolen products handled appropriately.
“In Delta State, troops of the Division, intercepted one tanker truck with Reg No YLA 286 XB loaded with products suspected to be stolen crude along road Jesse Oben in Ethiope West LGA of Delta State.
“The operation led to the arrest of 2 persons. Further exploitation in the forest in same area, led to the interception of an empty truck with Reg No Katsina KTN 446 YZ suspected to have been positioned to steal crude oil from SEPLAT Energy Nigeria Plc trunkline, 3 persons have been arrested and currently being interrogated.
“Also, at Iriama community in Okpe LGA, one illegal crude oil tapping point still under construction along SEPLAT Energy Plc pipeline. One person has been arrested and various items recovered.
“The items recovered include one shovel, one wooden board, several sacks, one phone, one Motorola radio and 4 Motorola chargers.
“Also, along road Ugo Idumessa in Ugo Community Orhiomwon LGA, Edo State, troops arrested two persons with a tanker with Reg No KMC 272 ZU with suspected stolen products estimated to be 50,000 litres.
“Relatedly, at Brass Creek in Ekeremor LGA troops destroyed one illegal refinery, one oven and handled a reservoir with over 4,000 litres of crude oil.
“While in Akwa Ibom, troops on patrol along Idua road in Eket and Uyo LGAs, confiscated over 14,000 litres of stolen crude with Nine 25 litres jerricans from 2 vehicles.
“These was in addition to several pockets of seizures made across the region. All the suspects arrested have been handed over to the appropriate agency for prosecution.
“While appreciating troops’ resilience, the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Jamal Abdussalam has reassured that the Division will continue to deny criminal elements footprints in the region.
“He also assured the commitment of the Division in creating an enabling atmosphere for increase in oil production in the region.” The statement added.
