18 Suspects Arrested As Army Destroys 13 Illegal Refining Sites

18 Suspects Arrested As Army Destroys 13 Illegal Refining Sites....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has uncovered and destroyed 13 illegal refining sites in the Niger Delta, arresting 18 suspects during the operation. The acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, announced this in a statement on Sunday, noting that two armed vandals engaged soldiers in a gunfight but were overpowered and killed. The military also intercepted 60,000 liters of stolen petrol and recovered two AK-47 rifles and seven boats from the suspects……CONTINUE READING 

Danjuma highlighted that the success came as part of the Army’s ongoing anti-illegal bunkering operations across Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom states. He detailed that troops neutralized two armed vandals, arrested 18 suspected oil thieves, and dismantled 13 illegal refining sites, along with discovering eight illegal connection points.

“Following credible intelligence, troops mobilized to Upatabo Community in Rivers State, where they engaged in a firefight with criminals attempting to vandalize the Nigerian Agip Oil Company pipeline. Two vandals were neutralized, and weapons including two AK-47 rifles and 69 rounds of ammunition were recovered,” said Danjuma.

In other parts of the Niger Delta, including Bille and Odagba village, troops deactivated multiple illegal refining sites, confiscated boats, and intercepted large quantities of stolen products. At various checkpoints, suspects abandoned vehicles loaded with illegally refined goods, leading to additional arrests.

In Delta and Bayelsa states, the Army intercepted oil thieves smuggling stolen crude, dismantled more illegal refineries, and arrested suspects involved in theft and vandalism. Similar operations in Akwa Ibom also led to the recovery of 1,500 liters of smuggled premium motor spirit.

The General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Maj. Gen. Jamal Abdussalam, commended the troops for their efforts and reaffirmed the division’s commitment to sustaining the operations to combat oil theft and illegal refining in the region.