Port Harcourt –In a significant operation aimed at combating economic sabotage, the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has arrested several individuals involved in illegal oil activities in the Niger Delta. The troops executed a clearance operation near the Imo River, a known hotspot for illicit bunkering, resulting in the destruction of 13 illegal refineries.
Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 6 Division, confirmed the operation took place at the border of Abia and Rivers states. He noted that the area, previously hidden from aerial reconnaissance, was targeted based on intelligence gathered by the 29 Battalion and other security agencies.
The operation successfully deactivated over 13 illegal refining sites, including large dugouts containing more than 250,000 liters of stolen crude and 10,000 liters of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
Additionally, troops from the 2 Brigade, acting on reliable information, intercepted a Toyota bus at Abeapo Community, Onna LGA of Akwa Ibom State. The bus was found transporting over 1,000 liters of suspected illegal AGO, and three suspects were arrested for further interrogation.
Major General Jamal Abdussalam, General Officer Commanding the 6 Division, praised the troops for their efforts and warned criminals in the region to either adopt lawful means of livelihood or face severe legal consequences. He emphasized the need to avoid actions that could undermine critical national infrastructure.
