By: Felix Ikpotor
Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army (NA), Rivers State has bursted an illegal oil bunkering site in Umuedeokwara Community, Odogwa Town in Etche Local Government Area of the state.
The carefully concealed illegal oil bunkering site was bursted during a clearance operations by troops of the Division.
According to a statement by the acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the operation was conducted following credible intelligence on the activities of criminals in the area.
Speaking to newsmen at the site, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Nigeria Army/ Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe, Major General Jamal Abdusalam said they have discovered so many illegalities in the area and reiterated the Division’s resolve to end criminality in the area.
“We are here to let Nigerians know what is happening here. In fact, even if you use the air, using a helicopter or drone, you won’t be able to see what we saw on the ground.
“We have discovered so many illegalities taking place here. We have seen reservoirs, boilers with a network of pipes and cables, amongst others,” he said.
He said the Division, will ensure that the Federal Government gets what is due to it to take care of the citizens.
Abdusalam noted that the budget of the nation is dependent on many factors, including crude oil production, hence, any drop in production affects the economy of the nation.
The GOC further disclosed that a total number of 19 reservoirs, with each containing a minimum of 200,000 liters of crude, translating to over 3,000,000 liters were discovered, lamenting the level at which individuals get involved in crimes that have huge implications on the nation’s economy.
The 6 Division Commander, reiterated that the Division will continue to deny criminals the freedom to operate, using the medium to warn perpetrators of these crimes to turn a new leaf and embrace legitimate businesses or face the full wrath of the law.
He said the site will be destroyed in collaboration with relevant agencies.
The statement said six persons were arrested in the operation while efforts are ongoing to apprehend others involved in the illegal trade.
