Oil Theft: Army Uncovers Reservoirs With 225,000 Litres In Rivers
…Arrests 5 suspects
Credit:MAUREEN DICK
The 6 Division, Nigerian Army, has discovered five reservoirs with each containing about 45,000 litres of crude oil in Odagwa community in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State.
General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division Nigerian Army Port Harcourt, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, disclosed when he addressed journalists during operation in the thick forested locations of the oil bunkering .
Speaking through Lt. Colonel
I. A. Manga, the GOC commended members of the public for their discreet information which helped 6 Division to uncover the oil theft in the community.
Major General Abdussalam condemned the economic sabotage, declaring total clampdown on illegal oil business in its areas of responsibility (AOR).
According to him, the 6 Division, Nigerian Army has since February this year, been carrying out operations in identifying and destroying illegal oil bunkering locations, as well as other forms of criminality in the state.
The GOC described oil theft as economic sabotage against the federal government.
He said: “The GOC, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, has consistently maintained his position of determination to rid off his area of operations of illegal oil bunkering and other forms of criminality.
“This operation has started since February and it’s ongoing. It will continue until we destroy all illegal refineries this 6 Division, area of responsibilities.
“This is against this backdrop that troops of 6 Division were directed to fish out, locate and identify, and also destroy all illegal refineries within the 6 Division area of responsibilities.
“As you can see right behind me is one of the reservoirs that were discovered by our troops during operation. There are other reservoirs also discovered.
“This illegal operation has impacted negatively on the economic, social and health of the citizens. And that is why we’re here. We will continue to do our best to ensure that all illegal refineries area are destroyed.”
The 6 Division noted several oil cooking pots in the forest, stressing that they would be destroyed.
“Yesterday (Tuesday), they (troops) discovered about five of this kind of reservoir filled with illegal crude oil. There were also some discovered that empty. They (suspects) illegally connected the hose to the oil well to various reservoirs.
“This reservoir contains about 45,000 litres and they are five reservoirs with contents so far discovered.”
The 6 Division warned individuals indulging in oil theft to desist from criminality because it is against the law.
“This is a fight against the federal government. This is a against Rivers State and a fight against the community in which these operations are being carried out.”
He paraded five suspects arrested in connection with the illegal oil operation going on in the community.
