PHOTOS: AGAIN, ARMY DISCOVERS 5-MILLION LITRE CAPACITY ILLEGAL OIL BUNKERING SITES IN RIVERS
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On Wednesday, the Nigerian Army’s 6-Division found and seized from illegal refinery operators at the Obuama and Uzuama towns in the Kom Kom region of Oyigbo local government area of Rivers State, fifteen boilers, and nine reservoirs that could hold five million liters of crude oil.
Along the river, the troops also came across more than five big, fully laden Cotonou boats, each of which could carry up to 200,000–300,000 litres of crude oil.
The operation resembled that of the previous two weeks at Odagwa, in the Etche local government region, and shared many of the same characteristics. To reach the illegal KPO fire sites, the GOC’s officers and soldiers had to traverse kilometers on land and across the Miriwanyi creeks off the long and winding Imo River.
Similar to Odagwa, some of the facilities found there include tarpaulin-built clay tanks that can hold up to 200,000 liters of crude oil, drums used as boilers for stolen crude, and other auxiliary items used in the illicit activity.
Major General Jamal Abdussalam, the theatre commander of Operation Delta Safe Land Component and general officer commanding the Nigerian Army’s 6th Division, announced the discovery to reporters. He said that the men of the command conducted the operation based on reliable intelligence regarding the actions of oil thieves.
He said; “In continuation of our operations to destroy illegal refineries and connections within our area of responsibility, and based on credible intelligence early this morning, 31st January, 2024, our troops raided this location.
“I thought we will not see anything more than the last raid we carried out in Odagwa, but unfortunately, we are seeing very sad and massive illegal activities taking place in this area also”.
Maj. Gen. Abdussalam said that it was very sad that the activities were still going on. “We will not get tired, we will continue doing our job until we get rid of these activities in this area”, he declared.
He stated that no arrest had been made, pointing out that the army was following some leads in its investigation to unravel and arrest the real culprits behind the illegal trade threatening the economy and well-being of the country.
“We have not been able to get the real culprits. No arrest has been made and as I said before, most of the arrests we make are people and individuals that are just menial labourers working on the sites.
“The real culprits, we have not been able to get them. As you can see, the facilities here are not something a common person on the road will come and set up.”
He added that the Division has several leads and were hopeful they would lead to the people that are actually responsible.
“As you can see, the facilities here, it is not common person on the road that will come to set up, it needs money, expertise and careful setting beyond the labourers we arrested last time”, the GOC stated.
“Our message has always remained the same, this activity is criminal, illegal and dirty. We call on these criminals who are into these activities to embrace peace and engage in legitimate business like other Nigerians and allow the government do what it’s supposed to do.
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