Apprehended individuals were carriers rather than major players – Nigerian Army speaks massive crude oil discovery in Rivers
The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has unveiled a startling find of 14 crude oil reservoirs containing approximately 3 million liters in Odagwa Etche, Etche Local Government Area.
The operation, led by Major General Jamal Abdussalam, General Officer Commanding, involved the discovery of 49 boilers utilized for refining stolen crude oil.
Conducting journalists on a tour of the hidden reservoirs nestled within a dense forest, Major General Abdussalam attributed the success to credible intelligence.
He explained the detection of 14 reservoirs, each capable of storing over 200,000 liters of crude oil, along with the presence of 49 crude oil boilers strategically placed in the area, stating that the illegal operators had ingeniously constructed tanks, utilizing hoses and cables to connect crude oil from abandoned well heads.
“The crude oil discovered in this location exceeds Nigeria’s daily crude oil export, totaling over 3 million liters stored in the 14 reservoirs,” Major General Abdussalam reported.
Stressing the severity of the situation, he emphasized the impact of such activities on the country’s overall crude oil production and the national budget.
Notably, several arrests have been made, although Major General Abdussalam clarified that the apprehended individuals were carriers rather than major players in the illicit business.
He reiterated the army’s commitment to supporting the government in obtaining its rightful revenues and urged those involved in illegal crude oil activities to transition to legitimate businesses for sustainable income.
