Troops of the Nigerian Army dismantled 23 illegal artisanal refineries and arrested 25 suspects during anti-bunkering operations conducted between January 12 and 19 in Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers States.
Lt.-Col. Danjuma Danjuma, spokesman for the Army’s 6 Division in Port Harcourt, revealed in a statement on Monday that soldiers seized 14 boats and confiscated 45,000 liters of adulterated petroleum products during the raids.
In Rivers State, troops impounded a truck carrying over 15,000 liters of fake petroleum products along the Eneka-Tank stretch of the East-West Road and dismantled seven illegal refining sites in Degema LGA. They also recovered 12,000 liters of stolen products and deactivated multiple facilities used for illegal refining.
The operation expanded to Imo Riverside, where 13 illegal refining sites, 25 cooking drum pots, and 24 receivers were dismantled. Soldiers also confiscated over 7,000 liters of stolen products and seized motorcycles, hollow pipes, and boats used in the illegal activities.
In Delta State, four suspects linked to illegal bunkering were arrested near Abor community junction in Ndokwa West LGA, while five dugout pits containing stolen products were destroyed along the Yokri River in Burutu LGA.
In Bayelsa, two vehicles transporting refined diesel were intercepted along Okarki-Otuasega Road, and troops ensured the vehicles and products were handled in line with operational mandates.
The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to eradicating illegal bunkering and curbing economic sabotage in the Niger Delta region.
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