Troops of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, in a coordinated effort with other security agencies, have successfully dismantled 37 illegal oil refining sites and seized over 230,000 litres of stolen petroleum products in the Niger Delta. The operation also led to the arrest of eight suspects and the interception of 12 boats, nine vehicles, and several motorcycles used for transporting stolen crude oil.
In a statement released by Lt-Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, the operation spanned several regions in Rivers, Delta, and Bayelsa states. It resulted in the recovery of a large volume of stolen crude and refined products, and the destruction of illegal refining equipment.
In Abesa, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State, troops destroyed an illegal refining site and recovered 9,000 litres of stolen Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). In another major bust, a wooden boat carrying over 120,000 litres of stolen crude was intercepted.
At Eteo Setraco Junction in Eleme LGA, the soldiers uncovered a criminal loading point disguised within a facility with a high fence. Two tanker trucks were caught loading stolen crude oil, leading to the recovery of 40,000 litres of crude and the arrest of five security guards.
The army also destroyed more than 30 illegal refining sites at Imo Riverside, where they recovered 20,000 litres of stolen products, along with 44 cooking pots, six wooden boats, and a small tanker barge.
Further operations in the region saw troops destroy illegal sites in Assa, Lekuma, Abiama, and Okoloma, recovering stolen crude hidden in creeks. At Omoku Elele Road, security forces intercepted a vehicle loaded with 1,200 litres of stolen condensates, though the driver fled on sighting the troops.
The statement highlighted similar achievements in Asari-Toru, Ogba/Ndoni/Egbema, and Ekeremor LGAs, where troops destroyed illegal refining equipment and seized over 26,500 litres of stolen crude and AGO.
Additionally, troops intercepted a wooden boat in Delta State that was being used to steal crude oil from Heritage Oil’s pipeline in Isoko South LGA. In Akwa Ibom State, another suspect was arrested with a vehicle containing stolen AGO.
Maj.-Gen. Jamal Abdussalam, the General Officer Commanding of 6 Division, commended the troops for their relentless efforts and urged them to continue making the Niger Delta region inhospitable for criminals. He also called on the local population to provide credible information to security forces to aid in the fight against oil theft and economic sabotage.
