In a coordinated endeavor, personnel from the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and TANTITA Security Services have intensified their campaign against criminal elements undermining Nigeria’s vital oil industry.
The army spokesman Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu said , the 34 Artillery Brigade’s troops, on September 7, 2023, uncovered and obliterated two reactivated oil bunkering facilities situated in the Egbema West region of the Ohaji Egbema Local Government Area in Imo State. This resolute action led to the complete dismantling of the illicit refining site, which harbored 44 drum ovens, three reservoirs with an estimated capacity of 30,000 liters of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and 53 sacks of AGO.
Furthermore, the operatives from the 3 Battalion, in collaboration with NSCDC personnel and TANTITA Security Services, eradicated four active illegal refining sites located in the Opumami Community within the Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State. This relentless anti-oil theft operation resulted in the destruction of three wooden boats, six ovens, six reservoirs, 11 drums containing illegally refined AGO, one substantial reservoir containing stolen crude oil, 38 sacks of pilfered crude oil, and two tapping hoses.
Concurrently, a separate and sustained operation aimed at eradicating terrorism and insurgency in North East Nigeria was executed by the combined forces of the 192 Battalion and 26 Task Force Brigade Garrison, in conjunction with the Hybrid Force, on September 7, 2023. This offensive operation took place in the general areas of Gobara, Ambaga, and Madachi within the Gwoza Local Government Areas of Borno State.
During these operations, our 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.
Furthermore, combined personnel from the 231 Battalion and 331 Artillery Regiment conducted a Stop and Search operation along the Biu-Maiduguri road, intercepting five BHT logistics suppliers. This operation resulted in the confiscation of 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 the sum of Three Million, One Hundred and Eighty-Six Thousand Naira (#3,186,000) only. The suspects are currently in custody and are assisting with further investigation.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has commended the unwavering dedication and vigilance exhibited by our troops. He has urged them to maintain this momentum and ensure the complete eradication of terrorist elements and oil theft activities within their respective areas of responsibility.