By ERIC MOORE
TROOPS of 6 Division, of the Nigerian Army, in conjunction with other security agencies have arrested oil thieves in the Niger Delta and recovered over 700,000 litres of stolen products.
The breakthrough was recorded in Rivers State as troops intercepted one massive wooden boat ladened with over 150,000 litres of stolen crude around Kula general area in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area (LGA). Six suspects connected to the crime have been arrested.
At the same place, the army Arrested wooden boat with over 50,000 litres of crude with several large cooking pots containing over 20,000 litres of stolen AGO recovered.
Relatedly, around Kay and Abesa areas in Akuku -Toru LGA, 10 illegal refining sites were destroyed with over 400,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) confiscated.
The same fit was recorded , at Rukpoku pipeline, as troops intercepted two spatially constructed tanker truck with the capacity to carry 15,000 litres each stealing products at the pipeline.
This crackdown was also extended to the notorious Imo River stretch, Bille in Degema, Egbelom Forest and Obiafu Oil Field, Omoku in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGAs with several arrests, illegal refining sites deactivated several seizures effected.
The soldiers also recorded huge success in their operation in Bayelsa State, and recovered thousands of litres of AGO.
Also in Akwa Ibom State, the troops intercepted two Toyota Camry with Reg Nos AYB 704 FQ and KY 379 EB loaded with illegally refined AGO concealed in 60 nylon bags and 25 nylon bags respectively. The products were estimated to be over 3,000 litres. Two persons were arrested.
Meanwhile, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, while commending troops for the successes recorded, urged them to continue to sustain the tempo in order to clear the region of criminal elements.
He also called on critical stakeholders, particularly the community leaders to take ownership of the fight against illegal oil bunkering in the region.