The Nigerian Army’s 6 Division has intensified its anti-illegal bunkering operations in the Niger Delta, recording significant successes in its bid to curb criminal activities in the region.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, troops have destroyed over 27 newly established illegal refining sites and confiscated over 100,000 litres of stolen crude in various operations.
In a recent operation, he said troops of 29 Battalion destroyed 23 illegal refining sites and 2 storage reservoirs containing 80,000 litres of stolen crude around the notorious Imo River hub.
He added that 3 vehicles loaded with illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil, estimated to be over 8,000 litres, were seized.
He said the army’s efforts have sent criminal elements fleeing, with arrests made and products confiscated.
Also, he said the operations are ongoing, with troops determined to maintain the momentum and crush illegal refining activities in the region.
He asserted that the latest crackdown is part of the army’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s oil infrastructure and ensuring the economic security of the nation.
Similarly, In Cowthorne Channel II, in Degema Local Government Area, Danjuma disclosed that troops of 16 Brigade in conjunction with other security agencies discovered and destroyed over 4 illegal refining sites with 3 metal drums, in addition to pits containing stolen crude estimated to be over 6000 litres.
This feat, he stressed, “is in addition to other pockets of seizures made by troops of 6 Division in the region. The products confiscated are being handled appropriately.”
Meanwhile, General Officer Commanding,(GOC) 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, while commending troops for their renewed disposition to take criminal merchants out of business, charged them to ensure the integrity of the pipelines is maintained.
This he said, will ensure oil companies conduct their activities seamlessly, as this will guarantee the expected improvement in oil production in line with the operational directive of the Chief of Defence Staff.
He also called on critical stakeholders, particularly host communities to continue to provide credible intelligence on the activities of these criminals to security agencies.