Army Strikes Blow Against Oil Theft: Recovers 5 Million Litres Of Stolen Crude In Rivers State Operation

Army Strikes Blow Against Oil Theft: Recovers 5 Million Litres Of Stolen Crude In Rivers State Operation

In a decisive move against oil theft, the Nigerian Army has successfully recovered approximately 5 million liters of stolen crude oil, with an estimated value in billions of naira….CONTINUE READING

Maj.-Gen. Jamaal Abdussalam, the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigeria Army, Port Harcourt, led reporters to the location of the seized petroleum product in Oyigbo, Rivers, on Wednesday.

The operation was initiated based on credible intelligence revealing a substantial illegal refining site concealed in a dense forest at the Kom-Kom community in Oyigbo. Abdussalam highlighted the continuous efforts to dismantle illegal refineries and pipeline connections, citing a recent raid in Odagwa. Despite initial skepticism, the troops uncovered extensive illegal bunkering activities at the Oyigbo site.

The General Officer Commanding emphasized the significance of this discovery in the Federal Government’s campaign to eliminate oil theft and economic sabotage. The raid on the illegal facility revealed more than 15 boilers and nine reservoirs containing over 5 million liters of stolen crude oil designated for processing.

During their approach to the site, the troops also encountered five large foreign (Cotonou) boats laden with 200 to 300 liters of crude oil each along the Imo River leading to the forest. Abdussalam expressed disappointment that these illicit activities persist despite ongoing efforts to curb them. However, he affirmed the Army’s determination to persist until the menace is eradicated.

Intelligence reports implicated oil thieves and pipeline vandals, with support from individuals intent on undermining government efforts. Maj.-Gen. Abdussalam assured that actionable steps have been initiated by the Nigerian Army to address illegal bunkering, emphasizing the Division’s unwavering commitment to ending this menace.