Three suspected oil thieves have been arrested by operatives of the 6 Division of Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt state.
Nigeriacrime.com learned that the operatives also impounded a truck loaded with 45,000 liters of crude oil during the operation in the state.
It was gathered that the three suspects and truck were arrested at a pipeline right of way between Obiri Ikwere flyover and Airport, the boundary between Ikwerre and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas.
Speaking at the scene of the arrest, the Commander 6 Division Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Brigadier-General, Eddie Effiong, said the success was recorded in the fight against oil theft through an intelligence tip-off.
Effiong, who is also the Commander, of Sector Three, Operation Delta Safe, expressed shock over the audacity of the suspects to engage in such an illegal act at the heart of Port Harcourt.
The army boss explained that the suspects dug a six-foot hole in the pipeline, tapped the oil facility connected their hose to the line and have been siphoning crude with the aid of a pumping machine.
He insisted that some people within the environment were complicit in the crime, warning that the Army is determined to deal decisively with anyone engaging in illegal deals on petroleum products.
Effiong, however, solicited timely and useful information from residents of the state against the illicit act, adding that the arrested would be charged to court on completion of the investigation.