The Nigerian Army said its troops have destroyed over 27 newly established illegal refining sites and confiscated over 100,000 litres of stolen crude in various operations conducted.

Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of the 6 Division Army Public Relations in a statement, said troops of 29 Battalion while exploiting deep into the fringes of the notorious Imo River, a renowned hub of criminal activities destroyed over 23 newly established illegal refining sites.

”This was in addition to 2 storage reservoirs with over 80,000 litres of stolen crude confiscated. Also, 3 vehicles loaded with illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil, stashed in GP tanks and sacks have been confiscated. The products confiscated are estimated to be over 8000 litres.”

According to the statement, in Cawthorne Channel II, in Degema Local Government Area, troops of 16 Brigade in conjunction with other security agencies discovered and destroyed over 4 illegal refining sites with 3 metal drums, in addition to pits containing stolen crude estimated to be over 6000 litres.

“This feat is in addition to other pockets of seizures made by troops of 6 Division in the region. The products confiscated are being handled appropriately.

“The General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, while commending troops for their renewed disposition to take criminal merchants out of business, charged them to ensure the integrity of the pipelines are maintained,” it said.

According to the statement, this will ensure oil companies conduct their activities seamlessly, as this will guarantee the expected improvement in oil production in line with the operational directive of the Chief of Defence Staff.

He also called on critical stakeholders, particularly host communities, to continue to provide credible intelligence on the activities of these criminals to security agencies.