Troops from the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division in Port Harcourt, yesterday, busted an illegal crude oil refining site at Odagwa community, Etche Local Council of Rivers State.
The troops discovered a compromised crude oil wellhead and arrested five suspects linked to the illicit activity.
They also uncovered five hidden reservoirs containing approximately 225,000 tonnes of crude oil, cleverly concealed in the dense forest of the community.
The operation dealt a significant blow to oil bunkering and illegal refining in the region.
Speaking to journalists during the operation, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, said troops achieved the feat by combining technology with human intelligence.
Abdussalam, who was represented by the Commanding Officer, 29 Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Ishaya Manga, vowed that the troops would not rest until illegal oil bunkering and other crimes perpetrated within his purview were brought to a standstill.
The GOC further disclosed that apart from the huge amount of stolen crude oil discovered, several other cooking pots were uncovered and destroyed by the operatives.
Abdussalam, while emphasising that operations of the criminals were negatively impacting the socioeconomic activities of the state, explained that each of the reservoirs contained about 45,000 litres.
“This is economic sabotage against the Federal Government, impacting negatively on social and economic activities as well as the health of citizens. And that is why we are here. We will continue to do our best to ensure that all illegal refineries in this area are destroyed.
“Apart from these reservoirs, there are other cooking pots at various locations not far from here which would be destroyed.
“In this general area of Odagwa, our troops discovered about five reservoirs filled with about 45,000 litres of illegal crude oil and there are other empty reservoirs discovered by the troops.
“The operation is ongoing and we will continue to make further discoveries. As soon as the discoveries are made, the public would be informed.”
The GOC thanked law-abiding citizens for their cooperation in the fight against illegal oil bunkering in the stateand warned economic saboteurs to steer clear of the government’s infrastructure, adding that the arrested suspects would soon be prosecuted.
