Troops Recover 1 Million Litres Stolen Crude Oil

Troops of the Nigerian Army have seized about one million litres of crude oil believed to have been stolen from wellheads in Rivers State.

Brig.-Gen. Eddie Effiong, Commander, 6 Division Garrison, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, disclosed this on Saturday when he led journalists on a tour of illegal bunkering sites in Odagwa community in Etche, Rivers State.

He said that troops discovered the crude oil stored in eight large reservoirs following a tip-off about the operation of illegal refineries in a dense forest in the area.

Effiong added that the division had initiated measures to curb all illegal refining operations in its four coverage states of AkwaIbom, Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers.

Effiong noted that current economic hardship in the country should not be an excuse for involvement in crime and in criminal activities.

He noted also that the nation was already bearing the brunt of oil theft, and continued indulgence in such acts would exacerbate the situation.

He therefore urged those involved in the illegal activities to desist immediately and seek lawful means of livelihood.