Soldiers storm Abia community, destroy illegal crude oil reservoir

The illegal activities of pipeline vandals at Umuelechi village in Ukwa West Local Government Area in Abia state have been brought to a halt as soldiers from 144 Battalion, under 14 Brigade Ohafia destroyed illegal crude oil reservoirs in a swamp located in the LGA.

The exercise which lasted for over three hours was carried out in conjunction with members of the Joint Task Force.

Although no arrest was made, some of the materials suspected to be used by the vandals in loading the content into a waiting truck were destroyed.

The Commanding Officer, 144 Battalion, Asa, Lt. Col. Kasim Umar Sidi, speaking to newsmen after the operation, said operatives of the 144 Battalion, led by Capt. Sampson Ademola, got wind of the reservoirs after intelligence revealed that some yet-to-be identified persons were carrying out such illicit act in the area.

It would be recalled that the area has been notorious in pipeline vandalizalism, despite the presence of combined team of security agencies guiding the pipeline and checkmating the activities of vandals across communities where petroleum pipelines pass through.

The Commanding Officer confirmed that no arrest was made but that the team were collaborating with sister agencies to ensure they uncover the perpetrators of the ungodly act.

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