6 Division Garrison Holds Sensitization Workshop On Implications Of Commercial Use Of Illegally Refined Oil Products In Port Harcourt Barracks

6 Division Garrison Holds Sensitization Workshop On Implications Of Commercial Use Of Illegally Refined Oil Products In Port Harcourt Barracks

The 6 Division Garrison, Nigerian Army (NA) has organized a One Day Sensitization Workshop on the Implications of the Commercial Use of Illegally Refined Oil Products for Stakeholders in the Niger Delta Region (NDR). The event was held at Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya Badminton Court in Port Harcourt Barracks, on 25 March 2025.

While addressing participants, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, emphasized the far-reaching consequences of illegal oil activities, which threaten not only the economy but also the environment, Public health, and National Security. He noted that some communities have suffered losses due to environmental degradation, including oil spills that destroys aquatic life and pollute sources of water.

The GOC, who was represented by Brigadier General Effiong Nse, the Commander 106 Division Equipment Support, stated that the Workshop served as a platform to remind stakeholders of the dangers associated with the refining and distribution of illegal petroleum products. The dangers he said include water pollution, respiratory diseases, and equipment failures. More importantly, he called for a collective effort in detecting, preventing, and countering illegal oil activities through collaboration between government agencies, private sector players, and the local communities.

The GOC urged participants to take up the role of ambassadors for change by discouraging the patronage of illegally refined products. He called on truck drivers to refrain from transporting illicit petroleum products and enjoined business owners to stop engaging in the trade. He further encouraged communities to remain vigilant and report suspicious oil-related activities to the appropriate authorities. He expressed confidence that through sustained collaboration, a safer and more sustainable future could be secured.

Earlier, the Commanding Officer, Admin Battalion, 6 Division Garrison, Lt Col Orobosa Igheghe welcomed participants and highlighted the severe economic, environmental, and security threats posed by illegal oil production. He explained that the nation loses billions of dollars annually due to the illicit trade and noted that beyond financial losses, the use of substandard petroleum products results in equipment damage, fires explosions, and health risks.

The CO urged critical stakeholders to take responsibility in combating the illegal oil trade, stating that awareness and compliance are key to addressing the challenge. He called on participants to engage actively in discussions, share insights, and contribute to the ongoing efforts to curb illegal oil activities.

While, drawing the Workshop closed, the CO Admin Battalion, remarked that the Division remains committed to working closely with stakeholders to curb illegal oil activities and strongly emphasized the need for ongoing collaboration.

He therefore thanked participants for attending and urged them to put the lessons learned into action in their respective communities as well as expressed gratitude to the resource persons and security agencies for their support.

The Sensitization Workshop was aimed at raising awareness on the dangers of illegal oil bunkering and fostering collective action against the menace. It had well experienced and erudite resource persons drawn from The Nigeran Army, Nigeria Police, State Security Services and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, with participants cut across different spheres made credible contributions.