…Discover 225,000 litres of stolen crude
By: Felix Ikpotor
As part of efforts aimed at protecting critical state assets and safeguarding the economy, operatives of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army have busted an illegal crude oil refining site in a forest in Odagwa Community, Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The Army also discovered 5 reservoirs laden with 225,000 litres of stolen crude, and arrested five suspected oil thieves during the operation.
While conducting newsmen round the site, the General Officer Commanding, GOC, 6 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Jamal Abdussalam said the operation was carried out following credible intelligence on the activities of criminals in the area.
The GOC, represented by the Commanding Officer, 29 battalion, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Ishaya Manga, stated that the operation was in continuation of the commitment and determination of the 6 Division to fight illegal oil bunkering and other forms of criminality to a standstill within its area of responsibility.
The Army Chief described activities of oil thieves as a fight against the 6 Division Nigerian Army, the Federal Government and a sabotage to the nation’s economy.
He said, “It is against this backdrop that the troops of 6 Division were directed to identify, locate and destroy all illegal refineries within the 6 Division area of responsibility.
“As you can see behind me is one of the reservoir that was discovered by own troops while on operation. There are other reservoirs very close to us while some are in other places and that is why we brought you here to see for yourselves and communicate to the general public about what is going on.
“This is economic sabotage against the federal government, impacting negatively on the social economic activities, as well as the health of the citizens and that is why we are here.
“We would continue to do our best to ensure that all illegal refineries in this area are destroyed.
Speaking further, the GOC said, “Apart from these reservoirs, there are other cooking pots at various locations not far from here which would be completely destroyed.
“In this general area of Odagwa, our troops have discovered about five reservoirs filled with about 45,000 liters of illegal crude oil and there are other empty reservoirs too discovered by the troops. The operation is ongoing and we will continue to make further discoveries. As soon as the discoveries are made, the public would be informed.”
He used the medium to warn those involved in oil theft in the state to repent and desist from the act and other crime related activities or face the full wrath of the law.
“When you look at the vegetations here, you will observe that it is deeply forested and hardly could you even imagine that something of this nature is taking place here, but with the intervention of the local population, we are able to get to those locations.
“I also want to send a message to those oil bunkerers to desist from these forms of criminality because it is against the law; this is sabotage against the federal government, Rivers State government and the community where this heinous crime is being carried out.
“So far we have arrested five suspects and those arrested would be taken to the division where they would be referred to the relevant authorities for prosecution.”
He however commended members of the public for providing useful information that has assisted security agencies in their fight against crime in the state.
