Army Cracks Down on Illegal Refineries in Abia, Arrests 13 Suspects, Recovers 2 Boats

Army, The Nigerian Army has cracked down on illegal refineries in Obuaku Community, Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State, arresting 13 suspects and recovering 2 boats.

This operation comes just four days after the Army apprehended six suspected oil bunkerers and recovered 14 boats, some loaded with crude oil, during a raid at the nearby Isimini Waterside.Major General Hassan Dada, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 82 Division Enugu, personally led both operations.

He pledged to prevent oil bunkerers and economic saboteurs from operating within the Division’s jurisdiction. Speaking to select journalists on Monday evening from within the creek, Major General Dada revealed that oil bunkerers had siphoned about 1.5 million barrels of crude oil.

He also noted that two additional boats were seized during the latest raid.The GOC expressed concern over the economic and environmental damage caused by oil bunkering. He emphasized that the Army, under Operation UDOKA, is determined to eradicate such activities to boost the economy. “Illegal refineries cannot be allowed so that our economy will improve,” he stated.

Major General Dada added that the arrested suspects would be handed over to the appropriate agencies for prosecution and that those found guilty would face the consequences of their actions.

One of the female suspects, who was interviewed by journalists, claimed she was only at the camp to collect a debt for polythene she had sold and denied any involvement in the illegal activities.The Army also destroyed illegal refineries and improvised equipment, including locally-fabricated drums and tanks, used by the bunkerers.