The Nigerian Army has recovered about 5 million litres of stolen crude oil, valued at billions of naira.
The General Officer Commanding, GOC, 6 Division, Nigeria Army, Port Harcourt, Maj.-Gen. Jamaal Abdussalam, led newsmen to the location of the seized petroleum product in Oyigbo, Rivers, on Wednesday.
He said troops got an intelligence report that uncovered a massive illegal refining site in a dense forest at the Kom-Kom community in Oyigbo.
“In continuation of our ongoing operations to dismantle all illegal refineries and illegal pipeline connections, on January 31, we received credible intelligence about the activities of oil thieves in Oyibo.
“Upon receiving the intelligence report, troops were deployed, and they raided the location (illegal refinery).
“At first, I thought we would not find anything considering the last raid we carried out in Odagwa, but we discovered massive illegal bunkering activities taking place there,” he said.
Abdussalam stressed that the discovery of the illegal bunkering site was a significant milestone in the Federal Government’s efforts to rid the country of oil thieves and economic saboteurs.
“During the raid on the illegal facility, we discovered over 15 boilers and nine reservoirs containing over 5 million litres of stolen crude oil reserved for processing.
“On our way here, we also found five large foreign (Cotonou) boats filled with 200 to 300 litres of crude oil each along the Imo River leading to the forest.
“It is sad that these illegal activities have continued despite efforts to curb them. However, we will persist until we bring an end to the menace,” he added.
According to him, intelligence reports disclosed the involvement of oil thieves and pipeline vandals who were supported by individuals who are bent on undermining government’s efforts.
He said that the Nigerian Army had already initiated actionable steps to curb illegal bunkering and pledged the Division’s dedication to ending the menace.
