Army burns 14 oil-laden boats, arrests six

The Nigerian Army has vowed to crush criminals involved in the vandalism of crude oil installations in the Niger Delta region.

The General Officer Commanding 82 Division, Maj. Gen. Hassan Dada stated this shortly after an operation against suspected oil thieves at Isimmiri Waterside, in the Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State.

Dada, in a statement on Monday, revealed that six suspects were arrested in connection with the illegal oil bunkering, adding that 14 oil bunkering vessels laden with stolen crude oil were confiscated during the operation.

He pointed out that the seized vessels would be set ablaze, including eight large Cotonou boats.

The GOC, who was accompanied by the Commander, 14 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Ohafia, Brig. Gen. Olusola Diya said the suspects had been handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for further investigations and prosecution.

He said the army was at the creek to carry out one of the mandates of Operation Udoka, “which is to make sure that any form of economic sabotage does not happen within its joint operation area.

“We were in Asa since Thursday, conducting operations against saboteurs trying to take out the crude oil that is the mainstay of our economy.”

Dada also said the operation was based on an intelligence report, adding that the suspects were about to start siphoning the crude from the pipeline before they were arrested.

He further said the suspects had sunk some crude oil-laden boats in the water before the troops got there, adding that all the 14 boats were destroyed, in line with the Standing Operating Procedure.

“The person that is involved in this particular location is on the run presently, but we will get him, it’s just a matter of time.

“This is more of a cartel and we believe that a lot of people are involved. The proceeds are being used to finance terrorism.

“But, as a note of warning, this is just the beginning. We will continue with this operation and make sure no stone is left unturned.

“The Nigerian Army will in no way tolerate any form of sabotage to the economy of this country,” Dada said.