Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested nine suspected oil thieves and recovered seven vehicles and eight motorcycles used for the nefarious activities.
In a statement on its social media platform, it said troops also recovered four trucks, several pumping machines, and confiscated over 221,000 liters of illegally refined products.
According to the statement, the latest recovery was made because troops of the 6 Division Nigerian Army have scaled up clearance operations in the creeks, waterways, and rivulets aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of action in the Niger Delta Region (NDR).
It said that while conducting operations at different fronts in conjunction with other security agencies across the Joint Operations Area (JOA), troops have effectively taken out over 37 illegal refining sites, identified 10 illegal connection points, and destroyed six wooden boats used for conveying stolen products.
It said, “In Rivers State, around Imo River, in the general area of Owaza and Odogwa Creeks, troops confiscated over 15,000 liters of stolen crude in a large wooden boat.
“The same feat was also recorded at Okoloma and Obuzor Creeks, where troops deactivated nine active illegal refining sites, destroyed five wooden boats, several motorcycles, and confiscated over 13,000 liters of stolen products.
“Also, along Ebocha Ndoni Road, a reservoir with over 8,500 liters of stolen products and 116 sacks stocked with over 7,000 stolen products were recovered.”
It further added that 10 empty metal drums, 10 metal pipes, and one motorcycle were also recovered. Additionally, troops intercepted one suspect in a Toyota Camry with registration number KTU 423 EC Lagos, with over 2,000 liters of stolen products.
“Similarly, along Ndoni Obiafo Road, troops intercepted a suspect who fled on sighting the troops and abandoned a Toyota Sienna with registration number Lagos EPE 789 JC conveying stolen products.
“In the same vein, a Volvo car without a registration number was intercepted with 36 sacks of products estimated to be over 2,000 liters.”