The Nigerian Army has arrested 21 suspects and confiscated 10 boats, five vehicles, and several motorcycles in a crackdown on illegal oil refineries in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State. The operation, led by Major General Hassan Dada, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 82 Division, was part of ‘Operation Udoka’ targeting oil bunkering activities in the state.
Thursday’s raid at Obuaku and Imo River Waterside in Ipu town followed previous operations within the month at Obuaku and Isimini Waterside, where approximately 20 suspects were apprehended and 16 boats were seized. During the latest operation, the troops destroyed numerous oil storage tanks, crude oil, and illegally refined petroleum products.
Maj.-Gen. Dada emphasized the detrimental effect of oil vandalism on the national economy and declared a commitment to preventing such activities within the Division’s jurisdiction. He issued a stern warning to those involved in these illegal operations to desist or face severe consequences, noting that the arrested suspects would be handed over to the appropriate agencies for prosecution.