By George George Idowu
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) Division 6 of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt, Maj.-Gen. Jamal Abdussalam, has disclosed that 233 illegal refineries were destroyed while 1,112 persons suspected to be involved in oil theft were arrested among other criminal activities in four states of the south south region in 2023.
He disclosed this achievement on Monday in Port Harcourt during the 2023 West African Social Activites of the Army. According to him, this was only possible because of the “Operation Still Waters 3’’ that was inaited.
From the GOC disclosure, the four refineries destroyed were located in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Delta and Rivers states respectively.
“In 2023, we successfully completed scheduled exercises with a lot of positive gains. Worthy of note is the field training exercise tagged “Exercise Still Waters 3.’’
“The exercise has gone a long way in curtailing criminal activities and other heinous crimes in the 6 Division’s area of responsibility.
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“Over the duration of the exercise, we were able to make 1,112 arrests; destroyed 233 illegal refineries, and seized 1,111,900 million litres of illegally refined petroleum products.
“Troops also impounded 72 trucks and other vehicles and recovered more than 356 arms and ammunitions during the period,’’ he said.
Abdussalam assured that the army would consolidate its achievements in 2023 to enable the Federal Government to attain its set target for crude oil production in 2024.
The major general also reemphasis the need for troops to remain dedicated, focused, and committed in the discharge of their collective responsibilities as that’s the only way that the required expectations will be met.
He further gave assurances that the division would do whatever it takes to ensure that crude oil output in Nigeria increase to a significant number in 2024.
“We must ensure zero tolerance for oil theft and activities that will affect peace and stability across the Niger Delta and the country as a whole.
“We will continue to contentiously perform our constitutional roles to defend democratic values.We will not rest, and we will continue to go after criminals who attack us until we get them and make them to pay a higher price for their crimes,’’ GOC concluded.
