Two suspected armed vandals met their end after troops from the 6 division of the Nigerian Army dealt a severe blow to oil thieves and vandals in the Niger Delta Region.
After their neutralization, troops recovered 2 AK-47 rifles and also arrested 18 suspected oil thieves
This came after a fierce gun battle between troops and the vandals.
The operation followed credible intelligence about a criminal attempt to vandalize the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) pipeline traversing Upatabo Community in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, said the troops swiftly mobilized to the scene after receipt of the intelligence report.
“Upon arrival, the criminal elements engaged our troops in a firefight. Our troops responded decisively, neutralizing two of the vandals and recovering two AK-47 rifles, 8 magazines, and 69 rounds of ammunition,” Danjuma stated.
According to him, efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Troops, he added, in addition to killing the armed vandals, also recorded significant operational successes across the region.
This included the destruction of 13 active illegal refining sites, 7 boats, and 8 illegal connection points.
The spokesman said that during the operation, 18 suspected oil thieves were arrested, and over 60,000 liters of stolen products were confiscated.
He revealed that the Nigerian Army’s operation is part of its ongoing efforts to protect the country’s oil infrastructure and combat economic sabotage in the Niger Delta Region
