The Nigerian Army has cracked down on illegal refineries in Obuaku Community, Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State, arresting thirteen suspects and dismantling the illegal facilities.
This operation comes on the heels of a similar raid just four days prior, where six suspected oil bunkerers were apprehended and 14 boats, some carrying crude oil, were seized at the nearby Isimini Waterside.
The General Officer Commanding, GOC, 82 Division Enugu, Major Gen. Hassan Dada, vowed never to allow oil bunkerers and economic saboteurs any breeding ground in any state within the Division.
Speaking to journalists right inside the creek on Monday evening, the GOC said about 1.5 million barrels of crude oil had been syphoned by oil bunkerers, stressing that additional two boats were recovered from them during the latest raid.
The GOC who lamented both the economic and environmental impacts of the activities of oil bunkerers said the Army under Operation UDOKA, would not rest on its oars until all bunkerers and other economic saboteurs were flushed out of the area.
“Illegal refineries cannot be allowed so that our economy will improve,” he said.
According to him, the suspects would be handed over to the appropriate agencies for prosecution, adding that those found culpable would be made to bear the consequences of their actions.
Meanwhile, one of the female suspects, told journalists during an interview, that she was selling polythene to people at the camp, and came to recover her debt when she was arrested.
Meanwhile, the suspect who was sobbing profusely, denied any involvement in the illegality.