Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division have arrested 71 suspects and destroyed 14 illegal oil refining sites during intensified operations against crude oil theft and related crimes in the Niger Delta.
In a statement on Monday, Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col.
Danjuma Jonah, said the operations, conducted between July 21 and August 10, also led to the recovery of over 33,000 litres of stolen refined petroleum products.
Jonah disclosed that in Rivers State, alongKilometere 45 in Degema Local Government Area, troops deactivated two illegal refining sites and recovered over 22,500 litres of stolen products.
Two wooden boats used for the illicit activities were also dismantled.
He added that in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, troops intercepted two wooden boats loaded with eight sacks of stolen crude.
According to him, similar raids at the fringes of the Imo River resulted in the destruction of five illegal refining sites.
At Obuzor in Abia State and in Okoloma and Oyingbo LGAs of Rivers State, troops recovered 16 drum pots, two drum receivers, and over 2,000 litres of stolen products.
A dug-out pit containing more than 1,500 litres of stolen crude was also neutralised.
Operations in Bayelsa and Delta
In Bayelsa State, around Bassambiri in Nembe LGA, troops raided a store where 16 jerry cans of 30 litres each, filled with stolen petroleum products, were hidden.
At Biseni in Yenagoa LGA, soldiers uncovered another illegal refining site and recovered over 1,200 litres of stolen products.
“This was in addition to several raid operations conducted with other sister services in the state, which led to the arrest of multiple criminals,” Jonah stated.
In Delta State, troops intercepted a vehicle with registration number AG 02 KWR at Omuseti junction along the Kwale–Ozoro road in Ndokwa West LGA. The vehicle was loaded with 31 jerry cans of 25 litres each, containing stolen Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO).
Due Process in Handling Seized Products
General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Major General Eric Emekah, commended informants for their role in supporting military operations.
He stressed that the army follows due diligence in verifying seized products.
“When illegal products are discovered, due diligence is applied to verify the authenticity of the product.
However, where the product is discovered to be genuine, it is usually handed over to the owner in line with the mandate of Operation DELTA SAFE,” Emekah said.
He added that suspects arrested for economic sabotage have been handed over to relevant authorities for prosecution.
