By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army successful deactivated over thirteen (13) illegal refining sites, with massive dugouts, which had Seven(7) filled with over Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand(250,000) litres of stolen crude.
Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma
Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations disclosed in a press release.
He said the 29 Battalion in conjunction with other security agencies conducted the clearance operation at the fringes of the Imo River, a thickly forested area known to be a haven for illegal bunkering activities.
The area which is a border between Abia and Rivers States is concealed from air reconnaissance, as criminals engage in large scale economic sabotage without being detected easily.
“The intelligence led operation, which was conducted by 29 Battalion in conjunction with other security agencies led to the successful deactivation of over thirteen (13) illegal refining sites, with massive dugouts, which had Seven(7) filled with over Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand(250,000) litres of stolen crude. This was in addition to over Ten Thousand(10,000) litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil(AGO), as well as other associated products uncovered in the area.
“In the same vein, troops of 2 Brigade, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted a Toyota Bus with Reg No UYY 962 MJ, at Abeapo Community along Road Onna – Eket in Onna LGA of Akwa Ibom State. The bus was conveying over twenty (20) bags of products suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil, estimated to be over 1000 litres. Three (3) suspects have been arrested in connection to the crime and are currently being interrogated.
“The General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Jamal Abdulsalam while commending troops for the successes recorded, called on the criminal elements in the region to embrace legitimate means of livelihood or be ready to face the full wrath of the law. He also called on them to shun any act capable of sabotaging critical national infrastructures and assets.”
