Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The Army, on Thursday, raided more illegal refineries in Abia State and arrested no fewer than 21 suspected oil bunkerers.
This is coming barely one month after over 14 boats were destroyed and several suspects arrested for oil bunkering during similar operation at Isimini.
During the Thursday operation at Obuaku and Imo River waterside, all at Ukwa West Local Government Area, 10 boats, five vehicles, and a motorcycle were destroyed.
Destroyed also were storage tanks, crude oil, pipes and various types of equipment used for oil bunkering,
The operation personally led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 82 Division Enugu, Major Gen. Hassan Dada, was the third in about one month in the area since the current crackdown on illegal refinery and oil bunkering activities began.
Major Gen. Dada who addressed the press during the operation, vowed to deal with oil vandals, bunkerers and illegal refinery operators in the states within the 82 Division.
The GOC said that Nigeria loses huge revenue as a result of oil bunkerers, adding that economic sabotage will not be condoled by the Nigerian Army.
He warned the perpetrators to either retrace their steps or get ready for the dire consequences of their acts of economic sabotage.
