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The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has reported that its troops have destroyed no fewer than 15 illegal crude oil refining sites and arrested 10 suspects across various locations in the Niger Delta region.

The Army stated that the sites destroyed were located in Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom states.

Additionally, the Army disclosed that about 115,000 litres of stolen crude were recovered during the operation carried out by troops of the 6 Division.

The acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 6 Division, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, made this known in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Sunday.

Danjuma said the achievement was a result of the Army’s resolute stance in its ongoing anti-illegal bunkering operations and expressed satisfaction with the tremendous successes recorded across the operational landscape.

He said, “In the latest push, troops have effectively deactivated over 15 illegal refining sites, arrested 10 suspects, dismantled over 30 cooking pots, intercepted eleven vehicles, several boats, and confiscated over 115,000 litres of stolen products in various operations conducted in the region.”

The 6 Division spokesman noted that the operations also resulted in the recovery of several other items used for economic sabotage in the joint operational area.

“In Rivers State, following a tip-off on oil theft around SIAT Farm, Elele in the Ikwerre Local Government Area, troops mobilised to the scene and intercepted a truck with registration number GDD 831 ZN Anambra, loaded with about 40,000 litres of stolen crude.

“Similarly, at Sankri in Okrika LGA, the operations led to the deactivation of three illegal refining sites and the destruction of two wooden boats, with over 26,500 litres of stolen products recovered.

“This success was also recorded at Dapama in Bille general area, Degema LGA, where four illegal refining sites were taken down, and two wooden boats stocked with over 10,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil and 6,000 litres of stolen crude were intercepted.

“At the stretch of the Imo Riverside, troops identified and destroyed several illegal refining sites and makeshift structures in camps, including one big pot and over 30 cooking drum pots. They also destroyed four wooden boats, one fibre boat, and over 15,000 litres of stolen crude around Okoloma, Obuzor, and Ukwa Creeks, in accordance with the existing mandate.

“Additionally, at Freedom Kula in Akuku-Toru LGA, troops discovered a pipeline vandalism site where three gas cylinders were recovered. Further exploitation of the area led to the arrest of one suspect.

“At Ebocha, OB II, and Obiafu Ndoni, four suspects were arrested with over 4,000 litres of stolen condensates in a Toyota Camry with registration number ZKW 648 AA Kaduna, and a tricycle at Ogba/Ndoni/Egbema LGA. Meanwhile, at Omoku, five inactive illegal refining sites with several empty metal drums were destroyed, and two suspects were arrested at Orashi River with significant quantities of stolen condensates.

“The reinvigorated clampdown also yielded results in Bayelsa State. This was evident around Sabasuo general area in Nembe LGA, where active illegal refining sites were deactivated, and over 2,800 litres of stolen products were recovered.”

Furthermore, he said at Amalakiri in Southern Ijaw, one active illegal refining site was dismantled, with over 2,500 litres of stolen products recovered.

“Troops also intercepted a wooden boat laden with over 1,800 litres of stolen AGO in sacks around Idewa/Waribokiri general area in Ogbia LGA.

“In Delta State, a trailer with registration number JJN 167 ZU Plateau was intercepted siphoning crude from a Nigerian Petroleum Development Company oil pipeline at Ozoro in Isioko North LGA.

“Two persons have been arrested in connection to the crime. Several other vehicles loaded with stolen products were intercepted at Obi Anyima Community in Ika South LGA and Ugo Community in Orhiomwon, Edo State, during follow-up operations.

“The situation in Akwa Ibom State also recorded some measure of success, as troops acting on credible intelligence intercepted three drums of Premium Motor Spirit at the fringes of Oron waterways.”

“The products were suspected to have been prepared for smuggling to a neighboring country. Troops have continued to maintain vigilance in the ongoing anti-bunkering operations in the state to deny economic saboteurs and their collaborators the freedom of action.”