The Nigerian Army, under the leadership of Maj.-Gen. Jamaal Abdussalam, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, has seized approximately 5 million litres of stolen crude oil in Oyibo, Rivers State. The operation, aimed at dismantling illegal refineries and pipelines, was prompted by credible intelligence pointing to oil theft activities in the area.
The raid, conducted on January 31, revealed a massive illegal refining site hidden in the dense forest of the Kom-Kom community in Oyibo. Maj.-Gen. Abdussalam expressed surprise at the scale of illegal bunkering activities uncovered during the operation, emphasizing the discovery’s importance in the government’s efforts to eliminate oil theft and economic sabotage.
The illegal facility, equipped with over 15 boilers and nine reservoirs containing the pilfered crude oil, showcased the sophisticated nature of the criminal operations. Additionally, five large foreign (Cotonou) boats, each loaded with 200 to 300 litres of crude oil, were found along the Imo River leading to the forest.
Despite previous efforts to curb such activities, the persistence of illegal bunkering highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the government. Maj.-Gen. Abdussalam assured continued efforts to end this menace, emphasizing that actionable steps have been initiated to address the involvement of oil thieves and pipeline vandals.
While acknowledging the expertise and meticulous setup required for illegal refineries, the senior officer urged those involved in illicit enterprises to engage in legitimate businesses, allowing the government to fulfill its responsibilities effectively. The Nigerian Army remains dedicated to curbing illegal bunkering and safeguarding the nation’s resources.
