The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has reported the killing of two armed vandals involved in illegal oil bunkering during a shootout, while also recovering two AK-47 rifles. In addition, 18 suspects have been arrested across various states in the Niger Delta.
In a statement issued from Port Harcourt on Sunday, Lt-Col. Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 6 Division, outlined the successes of the ongoing anti-bunkering operations aimed at curbing illegal oil activities in the oil-rich region.
Danjuma confirmed that the troops dismantled 13 illegal refining sites, seized seven boats, discovered eight illegal connection points, and confiscated more than 60,000 litres of stolen petroleum products across the Niger Delta.
“In the latest feat recorded, troops neutralised two armed vandals, recovered two AK-47 rifles, arrested 18 suspected oil thieves, destroyed 13 active illegal refining sites, seven boats, discovered 8 illegal connection points and confiscated over 60,000 litres of stolen products across the region,” the statement read. The army also destroyed multiple illegal refineries and seized significant amounts of stolen products.
Acting on reliable intelligence, troops were deployed to foil an attempted sabotage of a Nigerian Agip Oil Company pipeline in the Upatabo Community, Rivers State. Upon arrival, soldiers engaged the criminals in a gunfight, resulting in the deaths of two vandals. Several others escaped, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects.
In another operation at Bille in Degema Local Government Area, four illegal refineries and two wooden boats containing 6,000 litres of stolen products were dismantled. Similarly, at Odagba village near Imo River, troops intercepted two wooden boats carrying over 5,000 litres of stolen petroleum.
In Akwa Ibom, soldiers intercepted six drums of premium motor spirit (PMS) estimated at 1,500 litres, intended for smuggling out of the country via waterways.
The General Officer Commanding the 6 Division, Maj-Gen. Jamal Abdussalam, praised the troops for their efforts and assured the public that the military would continue its operations to clamp down on illegal oil activities in the Niger Delta.