The Nigerian Army say it has intensified operations against illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta, destroying more illegal refineries and confiscating stolen products. This, according to the Acting Deputy Director 6 Division Army Public Relations Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, who said on Wednesday, August 14, that to maintain the ongoing momentum troops were traversing the length and breadth of the operational landscape with huge successes.
He said the operations led to the destruction of over 27 newly established illegal refining sites and the confiscation of over 100,000 litres of stolen crude during various operations.
Danjuma said: “Troops of 29 Battalion while exploiting deep into the fringes of notorious Imo River, a renowned hub of criminal activities destroyed over 23 newly established illegal refining sites.
“This was in addition to two storage reservoirs with over 80,000 litres of stolen crude confiscated. Also, three vehicles loaded with illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil, stashed in GP tanks and sacks have been confiscated. The products confiscated are estimated to be over 8000 litres.”
Danjuma said in Cowthorne Channel II, in Degema Local Government Area, troops of 16 Brigade in conjunction with other security agencies discovered and destroyed over four illegal refining sites with three metal drums, in addition to pits containing stolen crude estimated to be over 6000 litres.
He said: This feat is in addition to other pockets of seizures made by troops of the 6 Division in the region. The products confiscated are being handled appropriately.
“The General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Jamal Abdussalam, while commending troops for their renewed disposition to take criminal merchants out of business, charged them to ensure the integrity of the pipelines was maintained.
“This he said, will ensure oil companies conduct their activities seamlessly, as this will guarantee the expected improvement in oil production in line with the operational directive of the Chief of Defence Staff.
“He also called on critical stakeholders, particularly host communities to continue to provide credible intelligence on the activities of these criminals to security agencies”.
