Troops of 5 Battalion have intercepted about 2,250 litres of suspected stolen crude oil in two separate operations in Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Security sources said the first operation occurred at about 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 1, when troops intercepted a motorcycle along the Ogbodhi-Ozochi road and apprehended a suspected crude oil bunker.
The suspect was reportedly found conveying five sacks containing approximately 300 litres of suspected stolen crude oil.
In a separate operation at about 2:30 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 2, troops intercepted a minibus conveying 39 sacks containing an estimated 1,950 litres of suspected stolen crude oil at Aminigboko in the same local government area.
The driver reportedly fled upon sighting the troops, abandoning the vehicle and its contents.
The combined quantity of suspected stolen crude oil recovered in the two operations was estimated at 2,250 litres.
Sources said the recovered items were handled in accordance with extant regulations, while the apprehended suspect remained in military custody for further action.
The operations form part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to combat crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and economic sabotage in the Niger Delta.
Troops are expected to sustain surveillance and patrols across identified routes to disrupt the movement of illegally sourced petroleum products and bring those involved to justice.- By Zagazola Makama
