Troops of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, have intensified their operations against economic sabotage in the Niger Delta, dismantling 20 illegal refineries and seizing 22 boats involved in oil theft. The operations led to the arrest of 11 suspects, the confiscation of six firearms, and the recovery of over 118,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.
In a statement by the Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, it was revealed that the troops successfully deactivated four active artisanal refineries in Jigama, Degema Local Government Area (LGA), recovering 35,000 litres of stolen products. Similar operations in Krakarma and other areas within Degema LGA led to the destruction of more illegal refineries and boats, with over 14,000 litres of stolen gas oil and 8,000 litres of stolen crude oil recovered.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) is also playing an active role in addressing oil theft. Deputy Manager of NNPCL’s Command and Control Centre, Murtala Muhammad, reported the discovery and destruction of over 8,000 illegal refineries and 5,800 illegal oil pipeline connections within the last six months, primarily in Bayelsa, Rivers, Imo, and Abia states.
Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPCL, Olufemi Soneye, emphasized the importance of collaboration between security agencies, the government, oil companies, and local communities to boost Nigeria's oil production. Soneye highlighted the increase in daily oil production, which rose from 1.4 million barrels to 1.7 million barrels, following President Bola Tinubu's directives to intensify the fight against oil theft. With continued efforts, Nigeria aims to reach a production capacity of 2.5 to 3 million barrels daily.
In Delta State, troops intercepted a vehicle carrying suspects and recovered five pump-action rifles, among other weapons. Similar operations in Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom states led to the dismantling of illegal refining sites, recovery of stolen products, and the arrest of suspects involved in oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
The Nigerian Army, in collaboration with private security and other agencies, is making significant strides in curbing oil theft and restoring stability to the Niger Delta’s oil production environment.
