By Adedapo Adesanya
The 6th Division of the Nigerian Army stationed in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has announced that it destroyed a total of 233 illegal crude oil refineries and arrested 112 suspects within its area of responsibility, in the year 2023.
The 6th Division of the Nigerian Army charged with the responsibility of securing the Niger Delta and coastal region along with its critical national oil and gas assets and infrastructure, said it also recovered over 356 arms and ammunition between January and December 2023.
The General Officer Commanding of the 6th Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Jamil Abdussalam, disclosed this at the West African Social Activities (WASA), held at the 29 Battalion Parade Ground, in Port Harcourt Barracks.
The General noted that WASA was established to strengthen relationships and social interactions between officers, their families and the display of cultural heritage.
He added that the 2023 training activities were well-designed to sharpen the capacity of officers and obtain positive gains.
The GOC further assured of maintaining a proactive and result-oriented attitude amongst officers and soldiers of the 6 Division for sustainable operational tempo in its joint environment.
He said, “In the course of the year, we were able to make 112 arrests, destroyed 233 illegal refineries, and recovered over 356 arms and ammunition. We will continue to contentiously perform our constitutional roles to defend democratic values in the country.
“I enjoin you all to remain dedicated and focused in the discharge of our collective responsibility”, he charged soldiers and officers of the division.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Governor, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tammy Danagogo, commended the efforts of the Nigerian Army in tackling the diverse security challenges bedevilling the country.
The Governor further acknowledged the zeal and dedication with which the Army confronts identified security challenges within the state.
“Let me seize this opportunity to commend the officers and soldiers of this Division for your sacrificial contributions in the maintenance of peace and order in Rivers State.
“The state will continue to support and collaborate with the Nigerian Army in all its activities. Be assured of our full support in all your operations.
“The cultural displays and performances witnessed here today are clear testimony of the diversity and strength of Nigeria as a nation. As you commence your activities for the year 2024, I hope that you will approach these activities with renewed zeal, vigour and commitment,” he stressed.
Aduragbemi Omiyale 
Modupe Gbadeyanka