Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, have arrested 29 suspected oil thieves and recovered over 60,000 litres of stolen petroleum products in the Niger Delta region.
During a series of clearance operations, the troops also destroyed 24 illegal refineries and demobilized 11 boats used by oil thieves for transporting stolen crude oil.
Operations and Arrests
The Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, confirmed the development, stating that troops deactivated six illegal refining sites along the Imo River, destroying 113 drum pots and 83 drum receivers.
Troops also demobilized two boats and recovered 18,000 litres of stolen petroleum products in the Asa area of Obigbo Local Government Area (LGA). They further uncovered a reservoir with over 1,000 litres of stolen products, along with 100 sacks containing more than 1,500 litres of stolen crude oil.
Key Locations and Seizures
The operations took place across various locations, including Okoloma, Obuzor, Lekuma, Abiama, Asa, and Ukwa.
- Buguma, Asari-Toru LGA: One illegal refinery with two large refining pots and two receivers, including one containing 9,000 litres of stolen crude, was destroyed.
- Ebocha Well 5: Troops raided an active illegal refining site, recovering 5,900 litres of refined diesel (AGO) and 3,500 litres of stolen crude oil. Additionally, 37 sacks containing 2,220 litres of illegally refined AGO were seized, and one suspect was arrested.
- Kumufari Creek, Akuku-Toru LGA: Troops dismantled a 200-meter hose and a reservoir with over 1,500 litres of stolen crude.
Operations in Delta, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom States
- Delta State: Acting on intelligence, troops raided an illegal bunkering site in Okpai Oluchi, Ndokwa East LGA, confiscating over 2,800 litres of stolen crude.
- A suspected oil thief abandoned a Sienna bus (Lagos APP 89 CV) loaded with 15 sacks of illegally refined AGO along Emiye Street, Isoko South LGA, and fled the scene.
- Bayelsa State:
- Troops destroyed two illegal refining sites near the boundary between Joinkrama 4 in Yenagoa LGA and Okarki in Ahoada West LGA.
- In Biseni, along the Niger River, and in Akpedi community, Yenagoa LGA, troops seized 2,500 litres of AGO in sacks.
- Akwa Ibom State:
- Troops continued security operations in the area to disrupt illegal activities and prevent oil theft.
Army Vows to Sustain Operations
Lt. Col. Danjuma emphasized that the Nigerian Army remains committed to tackling oil theft and illegal refining operations, warning that security forces will continue to pursue and arrest criminals involved in economic sabotage.
He also commended the public for providing intelligence that led to the arrests and urged continued cooperation in the fight against illegal oil activities in the region.
