10th March, 2025
The Nigerian Army has explained how Akari Eloghonan Loveday, an aide of Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Samuel Ogbuku who was abducted on March 7 along the Ayakoro Community waterways in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State has been rescued.
Ns
Also, local community members blocked possible escape routes, aiding the success of the mission, the statement indicated.
Loveday has since reunited with the NDDC MD and Ayakoro community leaders, while security forces continue combing the area to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, General Officer Commanding 6 Division commended the troops, urging them to sustain efforts in securing the waterways and tracking down criminal elements.
Also, the troops of the 6 Division, have intensified their operations against oil theft in the Niger Delta, leading to the arrest of 16 suspects and the destruction of multiple illegal refining sites.
According to the statement, in the operation conducted between February 24 and March 2, 2025, the troops also impounded over 24,000 litres of stolen crude and refined products across the region.
Giving details of the operation, the statement indicated that the troops intercepted a truck loaded with 140 sacks of stolen crude—estimated at over 7,500 litres—at Refinery Checkpoint in Okrika LGA, but the driver fled upon sighting security operatives.
It added that in Ekpe-Mgbede in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, troops dismantled three illegal refining sites, which contained 28 locally made ovens and three large empty metal drums.
Also, at Buguma in Asari-Toru LGA, an illegal refining site was destroyed, with four drum pots and a large tarpaulin storage facility confiscated.
