Troops of 6 Division, have neutralised two armed vandals, arrested 18 suspected oil thieves, destroyed 13 active illegal refining sites, and seven boats in the ongoing anti illegal bunkering operations in the Niger Delta.
Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt-Col. Danjuma Danjuma in a statement issued Sunday said the troops also recovered two AK 47 rifles, discovered 8 illegal connection points and confiscated over 60,000 litres of stolen products across the region.
He said the troops swiftly mobilised to the scene following credible intelligence on a criminal attempt to vandalise Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) pipeline, traversing Upatabo Community in Ahoada West Local Government Area (LGA)
Danjuma explained that on getting to the scene, the criminal elements engaged troops in a firefight.
He added: “In the gun duel that ensued, troops neutralised two of the criminals, recovered two AK 47 rifles, 8 magazines and 69 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition, while others fled in disarray. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.”
Danjuma explained that at Bille in Degema LGA, troops deactivated four illegal refining sites, two wooden boats and handled over 6,000 litres of stolen products.
He noted: “Likewise at Odagba village, at the fringes of Imo River, troops intercepted 2 wooden boats with over 5,000 litres of stolen products, destroyed one oven and receiver each within the swampy area of Odagba village.
“Also, along road Ndoni Obiafu, troops sighted suspected oil thieves who fled and abandoned two vehicles, a KIA with Reg No DG 991 PHC Rivers and a Toyota Avalon with Reg No GWB 972 HM Abia with 4 motorcycles.
“Further surveillance revealed the vehicles were loaded with over 28 sacks suspected to be illegally refined products estimated to be over 1,700 litres of stolen products.”