…Arrests 21 suspected bunkerers

…Spits fire against economic sabotage

By Steve Oko

No fewer than 21 suspected oil bunkerers were apprehended as the Nigerian Army, Thursday, continued its crackdown on illegal refineries in Abia State.

At least 10 boats, five vehicles, motorcycles as well as different types of equipment used for oil bunkering were destroyed during the operation at Obuaku, and Imo River water side in Ipu town, all in Ukwa West Local Government Area of the state.

Several oil storage tanks, crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products were also destroyed during the operation personally led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 82 Division Enugu, Major Gen. Hassan Dada.

Thursday’s raid was the third in about one month since the on-going crackdown on oil bunkering and illegal refinery  began under Operation UDOKA joint military exercise.

Addressing the press inside the creek during the operation, Major Gen. Dada vowed tough times for oil vandals, bunkerers and illegal refinery operators in the states within the 82 Division areas of operation.

He lamented the impact of the activities of oil bunckerers on the Nigeria economy,  and said that the Army would not give them any breathing space in the Division.

The GOC warned all those involved in the illegal act to quit or brace up for the bitter consequences of their actions.

According to him, apart from economic sabotage, revenue from oil bunkery is used to finance terrorism.

Over 14 boats, some of them laden with crude oil were destroyed penultimate week during similar operation at Isimini and part of Obuaku.