Security agents nab a group of oil thieves in Delta State.

Security agents nab a group of oil thieves in Delta State.

Troops of the Nigerian Army (NA) and personnel of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have successfully uncovered yet another camp used by oil thieves in Delta State.

Army spokesman, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, announced in a press release on Monday that the troops of the 181 Amphibious Battalion successfully carried out anti-oil theft operations on Saturday, September 2, 2023. The operation targeted the camps of oil thieves located in Owahwa Creek, situated in the Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta state.

“In the crackdown, the vigilant troops discovered 12 active illegal refining sites, 60 crude oil cooking ovens, 14 reservoirs, 6 wooden boats laden with stolen crude and 470 sacks of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) concealed in the camps.

“Relatedly, same troops also intercepted a vehicle conveying 25 polytene bags of suspected illegally refined AGO in Ogbodu Community in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State.

“In a similar operation, also conducted on 2 September 2023, troops of 3 Battalion, intercepted two wooden boats ladened with stolen crude in Tsekelewu, Warri North Local Government Area of Delta state. The troops also arrested two suspects in connection with the crime. Both suspects and the illegal products have been handed over to NSCDC personnel attached to Tantita Security Services for further action.”

“Members of the public are please implored to report any suspected act of sabotage or criminality to security agencies to enhance ongoing operations to curb economic sabotage in the country.”.