Suspects caught in action
By ERIC MOORE
NO fewer than 34 illegal oil sites have been dismantled and 11 persons suspected to be involved in bunkering arrested in Rivers State and some other parts of Niger Delta region.
Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, made the disclosure in a statement in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Sunday.
Danjuma said the feat was 6 Division’s continued demonstration of formidable posture against economic saboteurs, carried out in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Imo and Rivers States recently.
He stated: “In a bid to effectively tackle the malfeasance of oil theft in the region, troops conducted several operations from 18 – 24 November, 2024. These operations yielded the desired results across the Joint Operations Area (JOA).
“During the operations conducted within the period under review, several achievements were recorded across the joint operations area. These included, the dismantling of 34 illegal refining sites, arrest of 11 suspected oil thieves, deactivation of 19 boats and over 80,650 litres of stolen products recovered.
“Others included, the deactivation of 180 cooking drum pots, 29 metal container receivers, several vehicles and motorcycles. Those arrested have been profiled and handed over to the relevant authority, while products were handled appropriately.”
Meanwhile, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major-General Jamal Abdussalam, has commended troops for their resilience.
He assured that the Division under his watch would continue to sustain the ongoing operations to ensure increase in oil and gas production.
The GOC also reassured that efforts would sustained to effectively thwart the intentions of the criminal elements operating in the region.