Troops of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, in joint operations with other security agencies, have intensified their campaign against oil theft in the Niger Delta, arresting 28 suspects and recovering over 290,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.
The operation, which covered several states including Rivers, Delta, Abia, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom, also led to the dismantling of four illegal refineries and the seizure of multiple vehicles, boats, and vandalized pipelines used for crude oil theft.
According to the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the coordinated raids were launched following credible intelligence on widespread illegal oil bunkering activities across the region.
In Rivers State, troops intercepted two wooden boats at Okrika while loading Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from a vessel at a jetty. Two additional boats, one carrying about 33,000 litres of stolen fuel and another with 5,000 litres, were also seized.
At Elele Alimini in Emohua Local Government Area, the troops impounded a tanker loaded with an estimated 90,000 litres of stolen products and arrested the driver and his assistant.
Similarly, at Okolomade in Abua/Odual Local Government Area, the soldiers recovered over 2,600 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). Along the Imo River axis in Abia State, two illegal refining sites were dismantled, with the recovery of drum pots, receivers, and over 2,500 litres of crude oil.
Six suspects were arrested during the operation at Orashi River waterside, where two boats carrying about 700 litres of kerosene were seized.
In Delta State, troops acting on intelligence closed in on oil vandals operating along the PAN Ocean Pipeline corridor in Ethiope East.
The suspects fled on sighting the operatives, but one was apprehended, and several items, including vandalized pipes, hoses, and vehicles containing over 1,650 litres of stolen products, were recovered.
Further operations at Umusan-Obodogwa in Ndokwa West led to the arrest of two suspects conveying 24 stolen pipeline pipes and three gas cylinders in a Mercedes-Benz truck.
Another vehicle, a Toyota Hiace bus, was intercepted at Eruemukohwarien, Ughelli North, with 10 drums containing 2,500 litres of condensates.
Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma noted that in Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom States, the troops increased both kinetic and non-kinetic operations, maintaining a strong presence to deter further criminal activities.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, lauded the troops for their effective coordination and success in crippling oil theft networks in the region.
He urged them to sustain the momentum and continue safeguarding the nation’s vital economic assets.
