The troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in conjunction with other security agencies, have destroyed 37 illegal refining sites in the Niger Delta.
They intercepted 12 boats, nine vehicles and motorcycles used to convey stolen products,and arrested eight suspects with over 230,000 litres of stolen products recovered.
Also, the troops frustrated attempts to steal crude from pipelines across the joint operation area.
In a statement, the Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division, Army Public Relations, Lt-Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, said in Abesa in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area (LGA), Rivers State, the troops destroyed one illegal refining site and recovered 9,000 litres of stolen Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
Danjuma said the troops’ efforts also led to the interception of a large wooden boat filled with over 120,000 litres of stolen crude.
He said while at Eteo Setraco Junction in Eleme LGA, the troops discovered one illegal connection point that was traced to a facility with a high elevated fence and found that it was a criminal loading point, where two tanker trucks were intercepted loading stolen crude.
He said the operation led to the recovery of over 40,000 stolen products and the arrest of five guards.
The statement said: “Similarly, in a separate operation conducted, troops recorded successes at Imo Riverside, resulting in the destruction of over 30 illegal refining sites, 44 cooking pots, six wooden boats, and a small tanker barge with over 20,000 litres of stolen products recovered.
“The products were recovered around Assa, Lekuma, Abiama and Okoloma, Oha-Obu, Ikwuriator East, Southern Ukanafun 1, Oyigbo and Obuzor Creeks. Along the Bolo Onne creeks, one inactive refining site with an oven, two receivers, one coolant and a long hose were destroyed.
“While at Omoku Elele Road, troops intercepted one Golf wagon vehicle with Reg No SSM 248 TH Abia State, conveying 17 sacks of stolen condensates, estimated to be over 1,200 litres. The driver abandoned the vehicle and fled into the bush on sighting troops.”
