Nigerian Army Confirms Seizure Of 45,000 Litre Capacity Tanker Used For Illegal Bunkering

By Akeem Oduyoye

The 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt has disclosed that its troops seized a 45, 000-litre capacity tanker used for illegal oil bunkering in Rivers State.

It also added that three suspects were arrested in the illicit activity at a pipeline right of way between the Obiri-Ikwerre flyover near the renamed Obafemi Awolowo International Airport, Ikwerre Local Government Area.

The Commander, 6 Division Garrison, Brig. Gen. Eddie Effiong, disclosed this during a media briefing at the scene of the crime on Monday, August 7, 2023.

Effiong, who is also the Commander of Sector 3 Operation Delta Safe Joint Task Force, said he was marvelled by the boldness of the suspects carrying out the illegal activity in the heart of the town.

“In the early hour of today (Monday) around 2:30 am, we got information that some people are into illegal bunkering activities.

“We sent out troops to investigate, which led to us arresting this 45,000-litre capacity tanker and it is a 50-metre Shell Petroleum Development Company right of way of oil facilities.

“They bore a hole and started drilling the oil. The three suspects have been arrested with the products and equipment they used in the illegal activities, “ Effiong stated.

He said residents and those doing business around the area must be complicit in the crime for failing to alert security agencies to the illegal activities.

Effiong called on members of the public to volunteer useful information to the security agencies when they observe strange movements in their neighbourhood.