In a coordinated effort, personnel from the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and TANTITA Security are actively engaged in combatting oil theft operations in Southern Nigeria. Their resolute actions against criminal elements disrupting Nigeria’s oil sector were escalated when, on September 7, 2023, the 34 Artillery Brigade troops uncovered and dismantled two illicit oil bunkering camps situated in the Egbema West area of Ohaji Egbema Local Government in Imo State.
Confirming these developments, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, disclosed that the troops effectively dismantled the operations of an illegal refining site. This site contained 44 drum ovens, three reservoirs with an estimated 30,000-liter capacity of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and 53 sacks of AGO.
Nwachukwu reported that the joint efforts of the 3 Battalion troops, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) members, and TANTITA Security Services resulted in the destruction of four active illegal refining camps in the Opumami Community, located in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State. This operation led to the demolition of three wooden boats, six ovens, six reservoirs, 11 drums containing illegally refined AGO, one large reservoir containing stolen crude oil, 38 sacks of stolen crude oil, and two tapping hoses.
Simultaneously, in a dedicated operation aimed at eradicating terrorism and insurgency in North East Nigeria, the combined forces of the 192 Battalion and 26 Task Force Brigade Garrison, working alongside the Hybrid Force, conducted offensive operations in the general areas of Gobara, Ambaga, and Madachi within the Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. During these operations, the troops successfully neutralized three Boko Haram Terrorists (BHT) and seized one AK-47 rifle, one Beretta Pistol, 17 rounds of 7.62mm Special Ammunition, 4 rounds of 9 mm Ammunition, and a Dane Gun.
Nwachukwu said a combined forces from the 231 Battalion and 331 Artillery Regiment, while conducting a Stop and Search operation along the Biu-Maiduguri Road, intercepted five BHT logistics suppliers and confiscated two vehicles transporting 20 bags of maize, 11 bags of soya beans, 11 bags of biscuits, 14 bags of rice, 46 bags of corn flour, and a total sum of Three Million, One Hundred and Eighty-Six Thousand Naira (#3,186,000). The suspects are currently in custody, aiding further investigations.
Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, expressed his admiration for the troops’ unwavering determination and vigilance. He urged them to maintain their momentum and ensure the complete eradication of remaining terrorists and oil thieves within their respective areas of responsibility.
