In their ongoing battle against illegal oil bunkering in Abia State, the Nigerian Army carried out a raid on Monday evening at illegal mining sites in Obeaku, located in Ukwa West Local Government Area. This operation led to the arrest of 17 suspects involved in these illicit activities.
This recent raid follows another operation last Friday, where the military apprehended seven suspects at the Isimmiri Waterside, also in Ukwa West Local Government Area.
During a visit to one of the illegal refinery sites, which housed over 15 illegal refineries, the General Officer Commanding 82 Division, Major General Hassan Dada, addressed the media. He was accompanied by the Commander of the 14 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Ohafia, Brigadier General Olusola Diya, along with other high-ranking military officials from the Division. Major General Dada stated, “We are here in continuation of the operation the media was briefed on a few days ago, focusing on illegal oil bunkering in Obeaku, which is harming the environment.
“We have just uncovered another illegal refinery site here in Obeaku, Ukwa West LGA. Behind me is one of the smaller tanks used in these operations. We have been dismantling and removing others to prevent further access. Over 5 million litres of crude oil are being siphoned off, which is detrimental to both the nation’s economy and the environment.
“The operation is ongoing. Beyond Obuaku, we are extending our efforts to other areas within the ‘Operation Udoka’ joint operation zone to ensure that any form of illegal bunkering and refining is stopped, thereby protecting our economy and environment. We have arrested 13 additional suspects here. As we move to other sites, more arrests are being made.
“This is a significant challenge and constitutes economic sabotage. Those found guilty must face the full force of the law,” Dada warned, urging illegal bunkering operators to cease their activities. “They must stop, or they risk spending many years in prison for their illegal actions.”
One of the suspects, a woman, claimed she was only selling cellophane materials when she was arrested. She stated that she sells these materials to people from Aba and insisted she did not know any of the 16 other suspects apprehended with her.
Cellophane was identified as one of the major materials used in the illegal oil refinery operations in the area.
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