In a significant blow to illegal oil activities, troops of the 5 Battalion under the 16 Brigade of the Nigerian Army conducted a successful raid operation on Sunday, June 25, 2023. The operation targeted a notorious camp located in Azuzuama Community, within the Ijaw South Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
This camp has long been associated with suspected unrepentant militants and illegal oil bunkerers who have been perpetrating their nefarious activities in the region.
The highly motivated troops executed the raid with precision and overwhelming firepower, swiftly overpowering the suspected militants and compelling them to scatter and abandon their camp. This successful operation marks a significant victory in the ongoing efforts to combat oil theft and related criminal activities in the South-South region of Nigeria.
During the raid, the troops made a series of impressive seizures, effectively disrupting the operations of the criminals. The captured armory yielded five AK-47 rifles, two Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) bombs, four Rocket Grenade Bomb Chargers, seven 7.62mm Special ammunition rounds, and 14 AK-47 rifle magazines. Additionally, one pumping machine, two 16-inch anchored verve, one mallet hammer, one pipe range spinner, and one axe were recovered. The destruction of the illicit camp further incapacitated the criminals and sent a strong message that their activities will not be tolerated.
The Nigerian Army commends the bravery and dedication displayed by the troops involved in this operation. Their professionalism and commitment to the mission have dealt a significant blow to the illegal oil theft syndicates, contributing to the overall goal of eradicating oil theft in the region.
Furthermore, the Nigerian Army expresses its gratitude to the members of the public who have been providing valuable information that aids in the fight against oil theft. The collaboration between the military and the public is crucial in dismantling these criminal networks and securing the nation's valuable oil resources. The Army urges all citizens to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing efforts to bring oil theft in the South-South region to a complete halt.
Oil theft has been a persistent problem in Nigeria, with criminal networks exploiting the country's vast oil reserves for their illicit gains. These activities not only cause significant economic losses to the nation but also contribute to environmental degradation and pose a threat to national security. The raid and capture of the armory serve as a testament to the Nigerian Army's unwavering commitment to combating oil theft and dismantling the infrastructure that sustains it.
The successful operation in Azuzuama Community sends a strong message to criminal elements involved in oil theft: their actions will not go unpunished, and the Nigerian Army is determined to protect the nation's resources and secure the livelihoods of its citizens.
It is essential that this momentum is sustained through continuous intelligence gathering, coordinated operations, and the support of the local communities. By working together, the Nigerian Army and the public can effectively disrupt the activities of oil thieves and bring an end to this damaging and illicit trade.
The recent raid operation serves as a reminder that the fight against oil theft is an ongoing battle, requiring sustained efforts and the unwavering commitment of all stakeholders involved. As the Nigerian Army continues to disrupt criminal networks and recover illegal arms and ammunition, it is crucial for the government, security agencies, and communities to collaborate closely to address the root causes of oil theft and implement sustainable solutions that protect the nation's resources for the benefit of all Nigerians.
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