The Nigeria Army has apprehended twelve individuals suspected of engaging in oil theft in Rivers. The suspects are accused of illegally accessing and siphoning crude oil from a pipeline. The arrests took place on July 2 and July 3 during routine patrols conducted by troops in both coastal and land communities of the state.
Brigadier General Eddy Effiong, commander of the 6 Division Garrison, Nigeria Army in Port Harcourt, provided details of the arrest to reporters on Tuesday. He stated that the suspects were apprehended near Okoba community in the Ahoada East area of Rivers while in the process of siphoning crude oil from the Rumuekpe/Okporowo pipeline. The army recovered various items from the suspects, including an unspecified quantity of crude oil stored in paraffin bags, motorcycles, wheelbarrows, and jerrycans.
Effiong, who is also the commander of Sector 3, Operation Delta Safe, emphasized the army’s commitment to combatting oil theft. He stated that under the command of Major General Taoreed Lagbaja, the chief of army staff, the army has a zero-tolerance policy towards such illegal activities. Effiong highlighted the detrimental impact of oil theft on the nation’s economy and expressed the army’s determination to prevent criminals from sabotaging the economy.
The brigadier general further mentioned that the arrested suspects have provided valuable information that will assist in ongoing army operations against oil thieves. He assured that the investigation conducted by the army would be concluded swiftly, with the intention of handing over the suspects to the appropriate prosecuting agencies.
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