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 an intensified crackdown on illegal refining operations in the Niger Delta region.
During the operation, security forces also dismantled 24 illegal refineries and demobilized 11 boats used for transporting stolen crude oil.
Confirming the development, the Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt Col Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, stated that the troops carried out a clearance operation along the Imo River, where they deactivated six illegal refining sites and destroyed 113 drum pots and 83 drum receivers.
He further disclosed that troops demobilized two boats and recovered 18,000 litres of stolen petroleum products. In another operation around Asa in Obigbo Local Government Area (LGA), security forces discovered a reservoir containing over 1,000 litres of stolen products and 100 sacks filled with an additional 1,500 litres of stolen crude.
“The operations were conducted at different locations, including Okoloma, Obuzor, Lekuma, Abiama, Asa, and Ukwa general areas. Similarly, in the Buguma general area of Asari-Toru LGA, troops uncovered an illegal refining site containing two large pots and two receivers, one of which was stocked with over 9,000 litres of stolen crude,” Danjuma stated.
Oil Theft Crackdown Across Multiple States
At Ebocha Well 5, troops raided an active illegal refining site where they found 28 empty locally made ovens and reservoirs filled with 5,900 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO) and 3,500 litres of stolen crude. Additionally, 37 sacks containing over 2,220 litres of illegally refined AGO were seized, and one suspect was arrested at the scene.
In Kumufari Creek, Akuku-Toru LGA, an illegal refining site, a 200-meter hose, and a reservoir stocked with over 1,500 litres of stolen products were also neutralized.
In Delta State, acting on intelligence regarding illegal bunkering activities in Okpai Oluchi, Ndokwa East LGA, troops conducted a sting operation, leading to the confiscation of over 70 sacks of stolen crude oil along the SEEPCO Energy Company pipeline, totaling 2,800 litres.
“Additionally, troops intercepted the movement of a suspected oil thief, who abandoned his vehicle and fled. The vehicle, a Sienna bus with registration number Lagos APP 89 CV, was loaded with 15 sacks of illegally refined AGO,” Danjuma said.
In Bayelsa State, along the boundary between Joinkrama 4 in Yenagoa LGA and Okarki in Ahoada West LGA, troops dismantled two illegal refining sites. More illicit activities were uncovered at Biseni, the River Niger banks, Akpedi community (Yenagoa LGA), and Akinima (Ahoada West LGA), leading to the seizure of 2,500 litres of illegally refined AGO in sacks.
Danjuma also noted that in Akwa Ibom State, troops remain active in the operational areas to prevent criminal elements from resuming their illicit activities.
The Nigerian Army has vowed to sustain its offensive against oil theft, illegal refining, and pipeline vandalism, warning that individuals engaging in such criminal enterprises will face the full weight of the law.
