The Nigerian Army says it raided some illegal mining sites at Obeaku in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State on Monday evening, arresting 17 suspects involved in the illicit activities.
This is it said is an addition to seven other suspects arrested by the military on Friday last week, at the Isimmiri Waterside, in the same council area as part the ongoing fight against illegal oil bunkering.
The General Officer Commanding 82 Division, Major General Hassan
Dada, who led the team said the facilities were being destroyed to deny the criminal elements access to the illegal mining sites.
The GOC who was accompanied by the Commander, 14 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Ohafia, Brigadier General Olusola Diya, as well as top military brass within the Division observed that over 5 million litres of crude oil are being siphoned in the area which he said is not good for the economy of the nation and the environment.