Army Uncovers 40 Illegal Oil Wells in Rivers Community

The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, led by Major General Jamal Abdussalam, uncovered over 40 illegal local wells containing crude oil in the Rumuekpe community of Emohua Local Government Area in Rivers State.

The discovery was made during a sweep and clear operation on the Trans Niger Delta Pipeline (TNP) aimed at combating oil theft and illegal oil bunkering in the Niger Delta region.

The illegal wells, dug out directly into the ground like wells, were about 40 feet deep and 12 by 12 in both width and length.

The troops found that the oil thieves had devised a new technique to reach the crude oil by digging deep into the ground, a new dimension in the fight against oil theft.

Major General Abdussalam expressed his sadness at the illicit act and emphasized the need to bring the attention of the relevant authorities to the site to address the issue.

The troops will be stationed at the site to prevent further access to the area, which poses a significant danger to both the criminals and unsuspecting individuals.

One of the arrested suspects revealed that the site is owned by sections of the community and that they are paid N40,000 for each well dug.

The suspect also described the process of digging the wells and the risks involved, including the potential for suffocation and death due to gas exposure.

The discovery of these illegal oil wells highlights the ongoing issue of oil theft and the need for continued efforts to combat this criminal activity in the Niger Delta region.

The Nigerian Army’s 6 Division is committed to working with the relevant authorities to address this issue and ensure the safety of the community and its environment.