Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army has conducted a clearance operation at Umuedeokwara Community, Odogwa Town in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, South South Nigeria and successfully busted a concealed illegal oil bunkering site.
A Statement by the acting Deputy Director Information,, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah said the operation was conducted, following credible intelligence on the activities of suspected criminals in the site.
The General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army/ Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force, Operation DELTA SAFE, Major General Jamal Abdusalam visited the location to assess the magnitude of the criminal activities going on in the area.
He noted that even with the use of helicopter or drone, it would have been difficult to see the illegalities on the ground, adding that the Division, will ensure that the Federal Government gets what is due to it to take care of the citizens.
Major General Abdulsalam reiterated that the budget of the nation is dependent on many factors, including crude oil production, which implies that any drop in production affects the economy of the nation.
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The GOC further revealed that a total of 19 reservoirs, with each containing a minimum of 200,000 liters of crude, translating to over 3,000,000 liters were discovered.
He lamented the level at which individuals get involved in crimes that have huge implications for the national economy.
The Army General told Journalists that the destruction of the illegal oil site will be done in collaboration with relevant agencies.
The operation led to the arrest of six suspects at the site, with ongoing efforts to apprehend other people suspected to be involved in the criminality.
(Editor: Ken Eseni)
