The Nigerian Army has stated that its officers have foiled the operations of illicit refineries in the states of Imo and Delta and has confirmed the seizure of numerous litres of unlawfully refined petroleum products, Energy News Africa reports.
In a statement signed by Brigadier-General Onyema Nwachukwu on Wednesday in Abuja, the soldiers from the 343 Artillery Regiment, in the course of conducting anti-oil theft operations, carried out a successful operation against an illegal oil refining camp in the Obokofia Community in Imo on Monday.
The vigilant troops intercepted and discovered 15 sacks and 13 jerrycans filled with illicitly refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) concealed within the camp. Additionally, two pumping machines, three power generators, one hose, and a toolbox used for tampering with oil pipelines were also recovered.
Furthermore, Nwachukwu mentioned that acting upon credible information, the troops intercepted a wooden boat laden with 110 sacks of unlawfully refined AGO hidden in the creeks of Egbema West in the Ohaji Egbema Local Government Area (LGA) of Imo on Tuesday.
In the same vicinity, the alert troops also intercepted two vehicles transporting 18 sacks of illicitly refined AGO.
Nwachukwu urged the public to report any suspected acts of sabotage or criminal activities to security agencies, as this would assist in enhancing ongoing operations aimed at curbing economic sabotage within the country.
Additionally, he stated, “On Monday, troops from the 3 Battalion took action against an active illegal oil refining site that included three cooking ovens and six reservoirs located in the Enokora Community in the Burutu LGA of Delta.”
