See the Numbers Arrested as Nigerian Army Cracks Down on Illegal Refineries in Abia
By Sunday Nwakanma
On Monday evening, the Nigerian Army raided illegal mining sites in Obeaku, Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State, resulting in the arrest of 17 individuals. This follows the detention of seven others on Friday at Isimmiri Waterside in the same region.
At the scene of the illegal refinery, which housed over 15 unlicensed refineries, Maj. Gen. Hassan Dada, General Officer Commanding 82 Division, accompanied by Brig. Gen. Olusola Diya, Commander of the 14 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Ohafia, and other senior military officials, stated, “We are here to continue the operation initiated a few days ago against illegal oil bunkering in Obeaku, which is causing environmental degradation.”
Dada revealed, “We have uncovered another illegal refinery site here in Obeaku, Ukwa West LGA. Behind me is one of the smaller tanks being utilized. We have been dismantling and removing others to prevent access.”
He further explained, “Over five million barrels of crude oil are being siphoned, negatively impacting the nation’s economy and the environment.”
The GOC emphasized that the operation is ongoing and expanding to other areas under ‘Operation Udoka’ to eradicate illegal bunkering and refining activities, thereby protecting the economy and environment. “We have apprehended 13 more suspects here and will continue making arrests at other sites,” he said.
He described the situation as a significant challenge and an act of economic sabotage, urging that those found guilty face severe legal consequences. “Illegal bunkering operators must cease their activities or risk lengthy prison sentences,” he warned.
One of the arrested suspects, a woman, claimed she was merely selling cellophane materials and did not recognize any of the other 16 suspects. Cellophane is a crucial raw material in the local illegal oil refinery business.Nigerian Army Cracks Down on Illegal Refineries in Abia, Arrests 17
By Sunday Nwakanma
On Monday evening, the Nigerian Army raided illegal mining sites in Obeaku, Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State, resulting in the arrest of 17 individuals. This follows the detention of seven others on Friday at Isimmiri Waterside in the same region.
At the scene of the illegal refinery, which housed over 15 unlicensed refineries, Maj. Gen. Hassan Dada, General Officer Commanding 82 Division, accompanied by Brig. Gen. Olusola Diya, Commander of the 14 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Ohafia, and other senior military officials, stated, “We are here to continue the operation initiated a few days ago against illegal oil bunkering in Obeaku, which is causing environmental degradation.”
Dada revealed, “We have uncovered another illegal refinery site here in Obeaku, Ukwa West LGA. Behind me is one of the smaller tanks being utilized. We have been dismantling and removing others to prevent access.”
He further explained, “Over five million barrels of crude oil are being siphoned, negatively impacting the nation’s economy and the environment.”
The GOC emphasized that the operation is ongoing and expanding to other areas under ‘Operation Udoka’ to eradicate illegal bunkering and refining activities, thereby protecting the economy and environment. “We have apprehended 13 more suspects here and will continue making arrests at other sites,” he said.
He described the situation as a significant challenge and an act of economic sabotage, urging that those found guilty face severe legal consequences. “Illegal bunkering operators must cease their activities or risk lengthy prison sentences,” he warned.
One of the arrested suspects, a woman, claimed she was merely selling cellophane materials and did not recognize any of the other 16 suspects. Cellophane is a crucial raw material in the local illegal oil refinery business.
