Troops of the Nigerian Army have successfully seized 1.2 million litres of stolen crude, destroyed 56 illegal refineries, and apprehended 17 suspected oil thieves in a series of operations across the Niger Delta region.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, Jonah Danjuma, revealed that the operations, conducted from November 25 to December 1, 2024, covered four states Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom. The troops also destroyed 88 cooking drums and 20 boats used in the illicit refining of crude oil.
The operations led to significant dismantling of illegal oil bunkering sites, with over 56 sanctuaries deactivated. Along with the recovery of stolen crude, authorities seized illegal refined products, arrested suspects, intercepted vehicles, and uncovered illegal pipeline connections.
The operations spanned various regions within the Niger Delta. In Rivers State, troops uncovered an illegal connection on a 36-inch government pipeline in Kula I, Akuku-Toru LGA, and seized 100,000 litres of stolen crude from a ground reservoir. Similarly, in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, an abandoned truck containing 35,000 litres of stolen crude was discovered, while operations in Degema LGA led to the dismantling of eight illegal refining sites and the recovery of 27,000 litres of stolen crude.
In Bayelsa State, troops dismantled 15 illegal refining sites in Okordia Forest, recovering over 755,000 litres of stolen crude and 53,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). In Biseni Forest, they deactivated 12 illegal sites, seizing 34,000 litres of stolen crude and 5,500 litres of AGO.
Further actions in Delta State saw the recovery of 40,000 litres of stolen crude and the arrest of a suspect who led troops to a bunkering site in Ugo Community, Edo State. In Warri South LGA, 2,000 litres of illegally refined AGO were seized, and four suspects were arrested.
Additionally, in Akwa Ibom State, troops intercepted 5,580 litres of petroleum motor spirit at Enwang Bridge as smugglers attempted to transport it across the border.
These operations, led by 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in collaboration with other security agencies, continue to ramp up the fight against illegal oil bunkering and economic sabotage in the region.
