The Nigerian Army has destroyed 37 illegal refining sites and six wooden boats used for conveying stolen products in the oil-producing Niger Delta Region (NDR) of the country.
The Army in a statement on Monday noted that its Troops of the 6 Division had identified 10 illegal connection points and arrested nine suspected oil thieves.
The operation, executed in Rivers State and its surrounding riverine areas led to the seizure of over 221,000 litres of illegally refined product.
According to the Army, a total of seven vehicles, eight motorcycles used for the nefarious activities; four trucks, and several pumping machines were seized.
The Army noted that the development was due to its scaled-up clearance operations in the creeks, waterways and rivulets aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of action in the NDR.
The statement read partly: “In Rivers State, around Imo River, in the general area of Owaza and Odogwa Creeks, troops confiscated over 15,000 litres of stolen crude in a large wooden boat.
“The same feat was also recorded at Okoloma and Obuzor Creeks, where troops deactivated 9 active illegal refining sites, destroyed 5 wooden boats, and several motorcycles as well as confiscated over 13,000 litres of stolen products.
“Also, along road Ebocha Ndoni, a reservoir with over 8,500 litres of stolen products, 116 sacks stocked with over 7,000 stolen products were recovered.
“Additionally, 10 empty metal drums, 10 metal pipes and one motorcycle were also recovered. Troops also intercepted one suspect in a Toyota Camry with Reg No KTU 423 EC Lagos with over 2,000 litres of stolen products.
“Similarly, along road Ndoni Obiafo, troops intercepted a suspect who fled on sighting troops and abandoned a Toyota Sienna with Reg No Lagos EPE 789 JC conveying stolen products.
“In the same vein, a Volvo car without Reg No was intercepted with 36 sacks with products estimated to be over 2,000.”