By Hosea Parah, Abuja
The Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC), and TANTITA Security Services are stepping up their fight against criminal activities within Nigeria’s oil sector. Recently, troops from the 34 Artillery Brigade has successfully uncovered and dismantled two revamped oil bunkering camps in Egbema West, Imo State.
In a statement signed by Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu Director Army Public Relations on Thursday. These illegal refining sites were completely shut down, resulting in the seizure of 44 drum ovens, three reservoirs containing an estimated 30,000 liters of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and 53 sacks of AGO.
In another operation, troops from the 3 Battalion, accompanied by members of the NSCDC and TANTITA Security Services, targeted and destroyed four active illegal refining camps in Opumami Community, Delta State. The crackdown led to the destruction of three wooden boats, six ovens, six reservoirs, and the seizure of 11 drums filled with illegally refined AGO. Furthermore, authorities uncovered a large reservoir holding stolen crude oil, along with 38 sacks of stolen crude oil and two tapping hoses.
In a separate mission to combat terrorism and insurgency in North East Nigeria, combined troops from the192 Battalion and 26 Task Force Brigade Garrison in conjunction with Hybrid Force, on Thursday conducted offensive operations within the general areas of Gobara, Ambaga and Madachi in Gwoza Local Government Areas of Borno State.
During the operations, troops neutralized 3 Boko Haram Terrorists (BHT) and recovered one AK 47 rifle, one Beretta Pistol, 17 rounds of 7.62mm Special Ammunition, 4 rounds of 9 mm Ammunition and a Dane Gun.
Similarly, combined troops of 231 Battalion and 331 Artillery Regiment, while mounting a Stop and Search operation along Biu – Maiduguri road intercepted five BHT logistics suppliers and recovered two vehicles conveying 20 bags of maize, 11 bags of soya beans, 11 bags of biscuits, 14 bags of rice, 46 bags of corn flours and the sum of Three Million, One Hundred and Eighty Six Thousand Naira (#3,186,000) only . Suspects are currently in custody helping with further investigation.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja has lauded the troops’ high level of resoluteness and alertness. He urged them to sustain the momentum and ensure remnants of terrorists and oil thieves in their areas of responsibility are completely cleared.