In a coordinated effort, the Nigerian Army (NA) and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) are relentlessly combating those undermining Nigeria’s oil sector in the Southern region. According to Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, on September 2, 2023, troops from the 181 Amphibious Battalion, engaged in anti-oil theft operations, launched a decisive crackdown on illicit oil activities within the Owahwa Creek in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
During this operation, our vigilant troops successfully dismantled 12 active illegal refining sites, seized 60 crude oil cooking ovens, apprehended 14 reservoirs, impounded 6 wooden boats filled with stolen crude oil, and confiscated 470 sacks containing illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) hidden within these camps.
Nwachukwu also reported that the same group of troops intercepted a vehicle transporting 25 polytene bags believed to contain illicitly refined AGO in Ogbodu Community, Udu Local Government Area of Delta State.
In a parallel operation, conducted on the same date, troops from the 3 Battalion intercepted two wooden boats laden with pilfered crude oil in Tsekelewu, Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State.
Nwachukwu said these troops additionally apprehended two individuals linked to the criminal activity. Both suspects, as well as the illegal contraband, were handed over to NSCDC personnel affiliated with Tantita Security Services for further legal proceedings.
He emphasized the importance of the public’s role in these efforts, urging them to promptly report any suspicious activities or acts of sabotage to the relevant security agencies. This collaborative endeavor is crucial to sustaining the ongoing operations aimed at curtailing economic sabotage within the nation.
