In a significant breakthrough in the battle against illegal oil bunkering and theft, Nigerian army troops have made a startling discovery in the Rumuekpe community of Rivers State.
During a thorough operation on the Trans Niger Delta Pipeline, soldiers uncovered over 40 crude oil wells, each dug approximately 40 feet deep.
The operation, led by Maj. Gen. Jamal Abdussalam, the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, shed light on the evolving tactics employed by criminals engaged in oil theft in the Niger Delta region. Maj. Gen. Abdussalam described the discovery as a troubling development, with miscreants resorting to digging deep into the ground to access crude oil deposits directly.
Expressing concern over the findings, Maj. Gen. Abdussalam emphasized the grave risks posed to both the perpetrators and unsuspecting individuals in the community. He pledged to inform relevant authorities and ensure that troops are stationed permanently at the site to prevent further illegal activities.
Several suspects apprehended at the scene are currently in army custody, with investigations underway to identify and apprehend others involved in the illicit operations. One suspect confessed to the crime, revealing that the wells belonged to various families in the community. He detailed the hazardous nature of the operation, highlighting the risks of suffocation from gas emissions during digging.
The suspects disclosed that they received payment, typically around N40,000, for excavating wells approximately 15 feet deep. They described the process of extracting oil after digging, underscoring the perilous conditions faced by those engaged in the illicit activities.
This discovery underscores the ongoing challenges in combating illegal oil bunkering and theft in Nigeria, particularly in the Niger Delta region. The Nigerian Army remains committed to addressing these issues and ensuring the safety and security of affected communities.
