Troops Uncover Massive Illegal Oil Bunkering Site in Rivers State
In a significant operational breakthrough, troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army (NA), engaged in clearance operations at Umuedeokwara Community, Odogwa Town in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, have successfully exposed a well-concealed illegal oil bunkering site.
The operation, prompted by credible intelligence on criminal activities in the area, has revealed the magnitude of the illicit activities. Major General Jamal Abdusalam, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army/ Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force, Operation DELTA SAFE, personally visited the location to assess the extent of criminality taking place.
Addressing the media on-site, the GOC expressed astonishment at the level of illicit activities uncovered. “We are here to let Nigerians know what is happening here. In fact, even if you use the air, using a helicopter or drone, you won’t be able to see what we saw on the ground,” he emphasised. The discovered infrastructure included reservoirs, boilers, a network of pipes, cables, and an unprecedented amount of crude oil.
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Highlighting the economic impact, Major General Abdusalam stressed that the Division is committed to ensuring that the Federal Government receives its due share to cater to citizens’ needs. He underscored the direct correlation between the nation’s budget and crude oil production, emphasising that any decline in production affects the national economy.
The GOC revealed that a total of 19 reservoirs, each containing a minimum of 200,000 litres of crude oil, totalling over 3,000,000 litres, were discovered. He expressed concern over individuals engaging in criminal activities with severe implications for the national economy.
Major General Abdusalam seized the opportunity to warn perpetrators to abandon criminal enterprises and pursue legitimate livelihoods or face the full consequences of the law. The Division, he affirmed, will persist in denying criminals the freedom to operate.
The discovered site is slated for destruction in collaboration with relevant agencies, and six suspects have been apprehended, with ongoing efforts to capture others involved in the illicit activities.
Troops Uncover Massive Illegal Oil Bunkering Site in Rivers State