In a major crackdown on oil theft, the Nigerian Army has uncovered a massive illegal operation in Rivers State. Soldiers from the 6 Division, based in Port Harcourt, discovered 14 hidden reservoirs containing about 3 million liters of stolen crude oil. The reservoirs were found in the thick forest of Odagwa Etche, in Etche Local Government Area.
The Army also found 49 boilers used to refine the stolen crude oil. The refined oil was then transported out of the area through various channels.
Maj-Gen. Jamal Abdussalam, the General Officer Commanding of the 6 Division, led journalists to the site of the illegal operation on Thursday. He said he wanted Nigerians to see firsthand the extent of the oil theft problem.
“We have discovered many illegal activities,” Abdussalam said. “As you can see, we have found reservoirs that can contain upwards of 200,000 liters of crude oil. This is a very large operation that has been going on for some time.”
The Army is now investigating how the oil was stolen and who is behind the operation. They have also promised to bring those responsible to justice.
Oil theft is a major problem in Nigeria. It costs the country billions of dollars each year in lost revenue. The stolen oil is often sold on the black market, funding criminal activities and harming the environment.
The Army’s crackdown on oil theft is a welcome development. It is hoped that it will help to deter future theft and recover some of the lost revenue.
