Troops Arrest 23 Suspected Oil Thieves, Recover 67,000 Litres Of Stolen Products
•By Admin
PORT HARCOURT – Troops of 6 Division Nigerian Army have arrested 23 suspected oil thieves and recovered over 67,000 litres of stolen petroleum products In a major operation against oil theft in the Niger Delta region.
The recent feat was achieved in a one week operation carried out across various locations, from April 14 to 20, targeted artisanal refineries and illegal oil storage facilities.
The operation also led to the recovery of significant quantities of stolen crude oil and illegally refined products.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma.
According to Lt Col Danjuma, the efforts of the troops paid off in collaboration with other critical stakeholders as the operations led to the dismantling of 16 artisanal refineries.
He noted that the operation areas included Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta, and Akwa Ibom states.
For Bayelsa State, Danjuma stated that the troops surged operations against the oil thieves, deactivating four illegal refining sites and confiscating over 35,000 litres of stolen crude from the Adibawa Oando Wellhead.
Additionally, over 2,500 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO) were recovered, along with wellhead valves and pumping machines.
In Rivers State, clearance operations along the Imo River led to the dismantling of six artisanal refineries, while 30 drum pots and 24 drum receivers were also seized.
He added that Over 22,000 litres of stolen products were recovered in the operation, which took place in Obuzor in Ukwa West LGA of Abia State and Okoloma in Oyigbo LGA of Rivers State.
The operation also resulted in the recovery of significant quantities of stolen crude oil and illegally refined products. Over 62,000 litres of stolen crude oil were recovered, along with 5,000 litres of illegally refined AGO.
He maintained that the seizures were made possible through the use of human intelligence and effective patrolling of the region.
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He said: “In Bayelsa State, around Adibawa Oando Wellhead in Yenagoa Local Government Area (YELGA), troops surged operations against the criminals, which led to the successful deactivation of four illegal refining sites, confiscation of three large concrete reinforced dug out pits filled with over 35,000 litres of stolen crude from the Wellhead.
“Additionally, over 2,500 litres of illegally refined AGO, with Wellhead valve and pumping machines were also recovered at the site. These heinous crimes were perpetrated through the use of an 80 meters long pipe connected to the Wellhead used for siphoning crude oil. Likewise, along Gbarain – Zarama road, also in YELGA, various tricycles conveying stolen products were intercepted. Two suspected oil thieves were apprehended in connection to the seizures.
“In Rivers State, clearance operations conducted along the Imo River led to the dismantling of 6 artisanal refineries, 30 drum pots, 24 drum receivers, 1,100 sacks filled with over 22,000 litres of stolen products around Obuzor in Ukwa West LGA of Abia State and Okoloma in Oyigbo LGA of Rivers State.
“While in Okrika Creek, following human intelligence, troops recovered a wooden boat loaded with over 2,500 litres of stolen crude, suspected to have been siphoned from Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Jetty in Okrika. In Kula general area, in Akuku-Toru LGA, troops positively identified and arrested three buyers and three sellers of stolen products.
In Delta State, Danjuma stated that troops stormed a kidnappers hideout, around Rhobot City, Ibuzu road in Asaba and Iselle Azagba Community in Aniocha LGA.
He explained that in the operations that ensued, two suspected kidnappers were apprehended with several dangerous weapons recovered.
These included, two pump action riffles, one double barrel gun, one dane gun and 56 cartridges. Others include 13 cutlasses, one military boot, one camouflage headgear, one axe, a black bag, four fraternity berets, jacket and a park containing four arrows and several charms.
Similarly, he said, around Warri South general area, one illegal refining site, three cooking pots, unspecified quantity of illegally refined AGO and three drums filled with over 600 litres of stolen crude were confiscated. In Akwa Ibom State, troops maintained dominance in the operational landscape, effectively denying criminals freedom of action.
Meanwhile, the General Officer Commanding, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah has visited several troops locations in Bayelsa and Delta States, where he interacted with troops and enjoined them to sustain the operational tempo in the region.
He assured them that their welfare will continue to receive the desired attention as they surge operations against economic saboteurs and associated crimes in the region.
•INDEPENDENTNG.