Troops from Operation UDOKA carried out a successful operation on Friday evening, destroying 14 boats and numerous drums of crude oil seized from oil bunkerers at Isimini Waterside in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State.
The General Officer Commanding 82 Division of the Nigerian Army Enugu, who led the operation near oil flow station in the area, Maj. Gen. Hassan Dada, stated that the troops, acting on intelligence, laid siege to the bunkerers for five days before finally apprehending them.
Six suspects were arrested during the operation and handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps for further questioning and prosecution.
Speaking to newsmen at the creek, Gen. Dada, accompanied by Brig. Gen. Olusola Diya, the Brigade Commander of 14 Brigade Nigerian Army, Ohafia, explained that among the seized boats were eight large Cotonu boats, along with several smaller boats.
He disclosed that the bunkerers used their equipment to puncture oil pipelines in the area, stealing crude oil, some of which they refined themselves, while some was taken to the high seas and sold at exorbitant prices to the country’s enemies.
Dada identified the leader of the cartel but noted that the individual was currently on the run, asserting that no economic saboteur would be allowed to operate within the operational areas of Operation UDOKA.
He emphasized that the proceeds from the stolen crude oil were used to fund terrorism activities.
Warning those involved in the illicit act to desist, Gen. Dada stated, “This is just the beginning of the operation, and we will make sure no stone is left unturned. Anybody found culpable will be dealt with. It’s high time they left this joint operation area because we won’t spare them. Nobody should be involved in any form of economic sabotage within Operation UDOKA joint operation area.”
“We are here to ensure that no form of economic sabotage occurs in our joint operational area. We have been here conducting operations against economic saboteurs trying to take crude oil, which is the mainstay of our economy. Based on intelligence, we waited for them here for five days until yesterday (Thursday) when they came to get crude oil from the pipeline, then we moved in and recovered 14 boats, some with crude oil,” he concluded.
