Nigerian army arrests 17 suspects, uncovers more illegal oil sites in Abia

The Nigerian Army has intensified its crackdown on illegal oil bunkering in Abia State, with a recent raid on illegal mining sites at Obeaku in Ukwa West Local Government Area resulting in the arrest of 17 suspects.

This latest development follows a previous operation by the military, which resulted in the arrest of seven additional suspects on Friday last week, at the Isimmiri Waterside, also located in Ukwa West Local Government Area.

During a visit to the illegal refinery site, which housed over 15 illegal refineries, Major General Hassan Dada, General Officer Commanding 82 Division, accompanied by Brigadier General Olusola Diya, Commander 14 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Ohafia, and other high-ranking military officials, stated: ‘We have returned to this site to continue the operation we previously briefed the media about, aimed at tackling the illegal oil bunkering activities occurring here in Obeaku.

“We just discovered another illegal refinery site in Obeaku in Ukwa West LGA. Behind me is one of the smallest tanks that are being used. We have been destroying others and taking them away so that they will not have access to them. Over 5 million litres, of barrels of crude oil are being siphoned which is not good for the economy of the nation, particularly for the environment.

“The operation is ongoing. Apart from Obuaku, there are still other areas where we are extending our operations to make sure that within the “Operation Udoka” joint operation area, any form of illegal bunkering and illegal refining is not allowed so that our economy can be improved and our environment can be protected. We have arrested an additional thirteen additional suspects. We caught from here. As we move to other sites, we keep arresting them.

“It is a very big challenge and is nothing but economic sabotage. Those found culpable must not be spared by the law”, Dada said and warned the operators of illegal bunkering to put a stop to that, stating, “They must stop this because, at the end of the day, they may spend so many years behind the bar for any illegality they are doing.”

A female suspect, who was among those apprehended, maintained that she was simply selling cellophane materials and had no involvement in illegal activities, adding that her clients are from Aba. She also claimed to not know any of the 16 other suspects arrested with her.

The investigation revealed that cellophane was a key material in the illegal oil refining operations in the area, highlighting its significant role in the illicit activities.