The Nigerian Army Headquarters in Abuja has reported that its troops, engaged in combating illegal bunkering activities in the Niger Delta region, have successfully discovered another encampment of oil thieves. This latest discovery was made in the Obokofia Community situated in Imo State.
Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, shared that the vigilant soldiers, part of the 343 Artillery Regiment, stumbled upon the illicit camp while conducting operations against oil theft in the area. As a result of their diligent efforts, the troops confiscated 15 sacks and 13 Jerry cans containing unlawfully refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), which had been hidden within the camp. The soldiers also retrieved two pumping machines, three power generators, a hose, and a tool kit that was used for unauthorized access to oil pipelines.
In a parallel mission conducted on August 28, 2023, soldiers belonging to the 3 Battalion embarked on a crackdown of an operational illegal oil refining site located in the Enokora Community within the Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State. This site was found to house three cooking ovens and six reservoirs for the illicit refining activities.
Responding to credible intelligence, troops involved in anti-oil theft operations seized a wooden boat on August 29, 2023, that was laden with 110 sacks of unlawfully refined AGO. The boat was concealed in the creeks of Egbema West in the Ohaji Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State. Additionally, the diligent troops intercepted two vehicles within the same vicinity, each carrying 18 sacks of illegally refined AGO.
The public is earnestly encouraged to report any suspected instances of sabotage or criminal activities to the appropriate security agencies. This collaboration with citizens will undoubtedly augment the ongoing endeavors to suppress economic sabotage across the nation.
