Mkpoikana Udoma
05 October 2018, Sweetcrude, Port Harcourt — The Nigerian Army, 6 Division, has uncovered an illegal oil depot, close to the Naval Dockyard in Port Harcourt metropolis, Rivers State.
The Army said it arrested two suspects and impounded 16 trucks in the illegal depot which is at the defunct Union Dicon Salt premises in Macoba, Reclamation Road, in Port Harcourt.
Speaking to newsmen, the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Major-General Jamil Sarham, said the Army discovered the illegal activities on October 2, 2018, adding that 10 trucks were already loaded with products at the time of arrest.
Sarham, represented by the spokesperson of the 6 Division, Colonel Aminu Iliyasu, said the Army discovered the illegal petroleum loading depot following discreet information.
He added that generators and different sizes of hose were among items recovered at the depot, regretting that the activities of illegal oil bunkerers have become daring and dangerous because it affects lives of members of the public.
According to him, “With these activities going on in this area, it means that some people would be super-rich and some other people will remain super-poor.
“When the adulterated product is supplied to members of the public, it endangers the lives of Nigerians. If we don’t talk, it would consume everybody.
“It is a serious economic sabotage and has dangerous health implications. The 16 trucks were found in the premises. Ten of the trucks were already loaded with products.”
The Army boss, who described the activities as a serious economic sabotage and environmental pollution, dangerous to human lives, noted that the use of the facility by the perpetrators was because of its proximity to the river,
He warned those involved in the economic sabotage to stop, vowing to prosecute any person caught indulging in oil theft.
He added that investigations would be carried out, while the suspects and exhibits would be handed over to sister security agencies for further investigation and prosecution.
