Jacob Segun Olatunji, Author at Tribune Online

Troops of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army have thwarted several attempts to re-establish new illegal bunkering camps in the Niger Delta Region (NDR) by crude oil thieves operating in the area. This was contained in a statement made available to Defence Correspondents in Abuja by the Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma. The statement explained that during the operations, the troops arrested 28 suspected oil thieves, dismantled 18 illegal bunkering sites, and recovered over 72,000 litres of stolen products across the region. It further outlined that these achievements were recorded by the troops of the Division, in collaboration with other security agencies, between 7 and 13 April this year. According to the statement, “In Rivers State, troops scaled up operational activities, which effectively thwarted attempts by criminals to set up new illegal bunkering sites. “This was evident around Joinkrama 4 Forest in Ahoada West Local Government Area of the state, where welding and cutting machines, along with several newly constructed drums, were recovered.” It added that, following credible intelligence, troops raided De Tropicana Hotel in Ahoada West Local Government Area and intercepted two Toyota Camry vehicles with over 1,300 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO) in sacks. The drivers abandoned their vehicles and fled. Additionally, the statement explained that around the Krakrama Wellhead 12 at Bille in Degema Local Government Area of the state, three suspects were arrested at the site as they attempted to compromise the facility. “Furthermore, troops combed the area and recovered three wooden boats loaded with over 1,500 litres of stolen crude. In follow-up operations conducted at Wellhead 12, four suspected vandals were arrested.” It added that several operations were conducted in Okarki, where equipment used for illegal activities was dismantled. “Similarly, clearance operations were conducted at the fringes of Imo River, where six illegal refining sites were deactivated, 41 drum pots and 18 drum receivers were destroyed, and 540 sacks containing over 11,000 litres of stolen products were recovered. “Troops also thwarted several attempts by economic saboteurs to re-establish their nefarious hubs at the fringes of Imo River, with seizures of various newly constructed drum pots and receivers destroyed.” The statement noted that in Delta State, along Koko-Obitigbo Road, troops intercepted a canter truck, a Ford bus, and a fuel tanker conveying over 25,200 litres of stolen products. “Additionally, in a separate operation conducted at Koko, a fuel tanker conveying over 10,000 litres of stolen crude was intercepted. “In a related vein, around Oton-Urakpa area in Sapele LGA, troops discovered an illegal oil bunkering camp in a forest. Further exploitation in the forest led to the recovery of various items, including 100 cellophane bags containing over 3,350 litres, one drum of illegally refined AGO, and one large iron tank also filled with illegally refined AGO. “Other recovered items included three empty drums, two ovens, a lengthy rubber hose, and connected iron pipes spanning a considerable distance.” In Bayelsa State, around Biseni Community in Yenagoa Local Government Area (YELGA), three illegal refining sites with several refining facilities and over 2,100 litres of stolen crude stocked in dugout pits were handled appropriately. At Okordia, also in YELGA, an illegal refining site was deactivated, with over 1,500 litres of stolen products recovered. It added that in Akwa Ibom State, along Okobo-Uyo Road in Okobo LGA, troops cumulatively intercepted eight jerricans of 30-litre capacity each filled with AGO. The statement confirmed that all suspects arrested had been handed over to the relevant agencies for prosecution, while products were handled in line with extant operational mandates. Commending the troops for their resilience, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) Nigerian Army, 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, reassured the people of the region of an enabling environment for socio-economic activities to thrive. He also warned criminal elements to desist from indulging in mindless economic sabotage or be prepared to face the consequences of their actions. ALSO READ FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE