In continuation of its up-tempo operations to checkmate the trend of crude oil theft, illegal oil bunkering, illegal refineries and other acts of criminality across its Area of Responsibility, troops of 6 Division Nigerian Army, conducted an anti-bunkering patrol to some suspected locations where bunkering activities were being perpetrated by criminals and vandals in Rivers State, the Nigerian Army has said.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman, the troops raided one of such locations at Buguma where a local refinery was found and destroyed.

“Also discovered in the general area were tanks containing crude oil and four Cotonou boats containing illegally refined crude oil products.

“Similarly, the troops deployed at Oron conducted patrol within the terminal in Mbo Local Government Area to checkmate criminals, cultists and sea pirates’ activities while troops deployed along Eket-Onna road equally conducted patrol although no arrest was made.

“In another development, the troops averted what could have been another round of farmers and herdsmen clash.

“This followed an intelligence report on activities of suspected herdsmen at Akenfa 1, 2 and 3 communities in Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, where troops carried out aggressive patrol to the general area.”

During the patrol, the Army Spokesman said, the locals reported that some herdsmen while grazing along the area, allowed their cattle to eat up cassava from their farmland.

“The patrol ensured that the matter was reported to the police where it is being addressed toward arriving at an amicable resolution between the parties involved.

“The troops in conjunction with other security agencies have continued to patrol and track down criminals within Azikoro and Okada communities in Bayelsa State,” the statement read.

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