Army vows to punish oil vandals in Abia
“The Nigerian Army has pledged to take decisive action against suspected criminals engaged in the vandalism of crude oil installations in the Niger Delta region.
Hassan Dada, the General Officer Commanding 82 Division, made this declaration following an operation targeting suspected oil thieves at Isimmiri Waterside in Ukwa West Local Government Area.
In a statement released on Monday, Dada disclosed that six suspects were apprehended for their involvement in illegal oil bunkering. Additionally, 14 vessels used for illegal oil bunkering, loaded with stolen crude oil, were seized during the operation.
Accompanied by Commander Olusola Diya from the 14 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Ohafia, Dada confirmed that the suspects had been handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for further investigation and prosecution.
He emphasized that the Army’s presence in the creek was part of Operation Udoka’s mandate to prevent any form of economic sabotage within its operational area.
“We have been in Asa since Thursday, conducting operations against saboteurs attempting to extract crude oil, which is crucial to our economy,” he stated.
Dada added that the operation was intelligence-driven, noting that the suspects had attempted to siphon crude oil from the pipeline before being apprehended. He further explained that some of the suspects had sunk crude oil-laden boats in the water prior to the troops’ arrival, and efforts were ongoing to recover them.
According to the GOC, all 14 boats were destroyed following the Standing Operating Procedure.
“The individual involved in this incident is currently evading capture, but we are confident of apprehending him soon. This appears to be part of a larger cartel involving numerous individuals, with profits being used to fund acts of terrorism,” Dada remarked.
“This is just the beginning. Our operations will persist, leaving no stone unturned,” he warned.
Dada concluded with a firm stance: “The Nigerian Army will not tolerate any form of sabotage against the country’s economy.”
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