By Victor Akaa.
In a significant blow to oil thieves and vandals, the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division has recorded major successes in its ongoing anti-illegal bunkering operations in the Niger Delta Region.
According to a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, troops neutralized two armed vandals, recovered two AK-47 rifles, and arrested 18 suspected oil thieves.
The operation, which took place across multiple locations, destroyed 13 active illegal refining sites and seven boats, discovered eight illegal connection points and confiscated over 60,000 litres of stolen products.
According to the statement, a notable achievement was the fooling of a criminal attempt to vandalise the Nigerian Agip Oil Company pipeline in the Upatabo community, Ahoada West Local Government Area. Following credible intelligence, troops swiftly mobilised to the scene, engaging the criminals in a firefight and neutralising two of them.
He said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Major General Jamal Abdussalam, General Officer Commanding 6 Division, praised the troops for their successes and reaffirmed the Division’s commitment to securing the nation’s critical infrastructure.
Major General Abdussalam notes that the operation demonstrates the unwavering resolve of the troops to protect Nigeria’s oil and gas resources.
He assured that troops will continue to sustain ongoing operations to ensure the security of our nation’s critical infrastructure.
The Nigerian Army’s efforts to combat oil theft and vandalism have yielded significant results in recent months, with numerous arrests, seizures, and destruction of illegal refining sites.
