In a significant breakthrough in the fight against illegal oil bunkering and theft, troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, uncovered more than 40 dugout crude oil wells in Rumuekpe community, Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Led by Maj. Gen. Jamal Abdussalam, the troops made the discovery during a comprehensive sweep-and-clear operation along the Trans Niger Delta Pipeline. Abdussalam described the oil wells, reaching depths of about 40 feet, as a novel technique employed by criminals to siphon crude oil from underground reservoirs.
Expressing astonishment at the discovery, Abdussalam emphasized the gravity of the situation, highlighting the ingenuity of miscreants in accessing crude oil deposits directly from the ground. He underscored the dangers posed by this illicit activity, both to the environment and to those involved in the illegal operations.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) vowed to alert relevant authorities to the situation and ensure permanent deployment of troops to prevent further illegal activities at the site. Abdussalam stressed the need for urgent action to address the hazardous conditions and to apprehend those responsible for the illicit excavation.
Several suspects were apprehended at the scene, with investigations ongoing to uncover further details and apprehend additional perpetrators. One suspect, speaking on condition of anonymity, confessed to the crime, revealing that the wells belonged to various families in the community. He disclosed the perilous nature of the operation, citing instances where diggers succumbed to gas inhalation during excavation.