In a decisive move against economic sabotage in the Niger Delta Region, troops from the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, have intensified their operations, leading to the arrest of over 21 individuals involved in illegal oil bunkering.
According to Acting Deputy Director 6 Division Army Public Relations Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, these operations, conducted across multiple states, have resulted in the deactivation of 43 illegal refining sites and the confiscation of more than 120,000 litres of illegally refined products.
In Bayelsa State, a coordinated operation with other security agencies led to the arrest of 12 pipeline vandals in Ojobo Community, Ekeremor LGA.
The suspects were found with a barge carrying a swamp buggy, a tugboat, and several vandalized pipes belonging to Shell Production Development Company (SPDC).
Additionally, troops intercepted a wooden boat carrying over 5,500 litres of stolen products and deactivated several illegal refining sites in the area.
Similarly, in Rivers State, troops dismantled five illegal refining sites and recovered large quantities of stolen crude, including a wooden boat loaded with 5,000 litres of crude near Cawthorne Channel.
The operations also uncovered hidden boats suspected to be used for criminal activities.
Delta State saw the deactivation of an illegal refining site at Ikpemu Creek, where 5,000 litres of stolen products were recovered.
Numerous other illegal sites were also neutralized across the Division’s Area of Responsibility.
The General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, commended the troops for their relentless efforts and urged them to intensify operations against economic saboteurs to ensure smooth exploration activities in the region.
He also reiterated his warning to criminal elements to abandon illegal activities and embrace legitimate livelihoods.
The arrested vandals will be handed over to the relevant prosecuting agencies for further action.
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