The 6 Division Nigerian Army Port Harcourt has stepped up operations to deter criminal acts within its Area of Responsibility (AOR) in the Port Harcourt zone.
These operations include; Anti-Illegal Oil Bunkering, Anti-Kidnapping, Anti Robbery, Anti-Cultism, Anti- Piracy as well as Stop and Search Operations against other sundry crimes.
The move is in line with the 6 Division’s constitutional mandate, barely two months after its formal operationalisation.
The division also used the opportunity to reveal some of its recent successes.
According to a statement signed by Colonel Aminu Iliyasu, the deputy director Army Public Relations, on 4th September 2017, troops of 6 Division Garrison, Port Harcourt on routine Anti-Bunkering patrol to Elechi and Abonnema Wharf discovered and destroyed several quantities of suspected illegally refined Automated Gas Oil.
Illiyasu wrote in the statement: “In a similar operation conducted by troops of 29 Battalion Tactical Headquarters, Bille, Rivers State troops encountered armed illegal bunkerers short of Feropkakama a notorious bunkering site, who on sighting troops opened fire.
“However, the gallant troops repelled the attack and pursued the scampering criminals deep into the creeks with many of them sustaining gun shot wounds.
“Unfortunately, 2 brave soldiers were wounded in action, one of them critically but both are responding positively to treatment at a military facility in Port Harcourt.”
In another development, troops of 3 Battalion (Rear), Warri continue to dominate their AOR with the conduct of Stop and Search Operations with a view to maintaining the fragile peace that exists in the area and to identify, detect and intercept criminals, arms and ammunition within the area, Illiyasu revealed.
He wrote: “This proactive measure has significantly reduced attacks on innocent communities particularly along Ogbe-Ijoh and Aladja boundary, Isaba community, Mofor, Okwuokwuoko, Warri/Sapele and other notable hot spots around Warri metropolis.
“In a follow-up operation conducted on 5 September 2017 by troops of 29 Battalion Tactical Headquarters, Bille, Rivers State to the notorious illegal bunkering site at Feropkakama Camp where the troops had an encounter the previous day, more success was recorded as troops discovered 14 Pump Action catridges, 4 empty AK 47 magazines, 8 pumping machines and several other illegal bunkering tools while a massive manhunt in conjunction with other sister security agencies is under way to track down and arrest the fleeing criminals in order to bring them to justice. In a related development, troops of 130 Battalion in Harris Town, Rivers State arrested one of the notorious kidnap kingpins known as Mr David Owhor AKA Chile who along with his gang members (at large) have been terrorising innocent people along East-West Road between Port Harcourt and Choba general area.
“The suspect is currently in military custody making useful confessions and assisting security agencies in making tremendous progress in the investigation that will lead to the eventual arrest of other gang members.”
He expressed the Division’s appreciation to all peace loving citizens of the region particularly those that are voluntarily assisting the Command with vital and timely information that is aiding it to achieve positive results in its efforts to protect lives and properties of all citizens and create a conducive atmosphere for peaceful co-existence.
Illiyasu reassured Nigerians that the Command remains committed to crushing all forms of crime against the Niger Delta people by criminal elements within the region.
