Kehinde Fajobi
The Nigerian Army’s 6 Division has dismantled 34 illegal refining sites, arrested 11 suspected oil thieves, and seized over 80,650 litres of stolen petroleum products in the Niger Delta during operations conducted between November 18 and 24, 2024.
The Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday in Port Harcourt.
He detailed the success of clearance operations carried out across Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, and Akwa Ibom states in collaboration with other security agencies.
In Rivers State, Danjuma highlighted that over eight illegal refining sites were destroyed in Buguma Creeks, Asari-Toru Local Government Area, where troops also deactivated dugout pits containing 25,000 litres of stolen crude oil.
Additionally, a wellhead used as a loading point was uncovered in Iyalama/Bakana, alongside several cooking pots, receivers, and wooden boats loaded with 8,000 litres of stolen crude.
“Troops intercepted a wooden boat stocked with over 6,000 litres of condensate in the same area.
Similarly, at Ogaji-Ama in Buguma South East River, two wooden boats carrying over 3,000 litres of stolen crude oil were seized,” the statement read.
In Bonny Local Government Area, an illegal refining site with 10,000 litres of stolen crude oil was discovered in Asaramatoro Creek, while in Ahoada West, a wooden boat containing 2,000 litres of stolen crude was intercepted.
At Obiafu in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, over 3,000 litres of crude oil concealed in sacks were recovered, and in Oboburu, troops neutralised an armed vandal after an exchange of fire.
Further operations in Degema LGA led to the confiscation of a fibre boat loaded with 1,500 litres of stolen products and the dismantling of over 20 illegal refining sites, along with the recovery of 15,000 litres of stolen crude oil.
In Bayelsa State, Danjuma revealed that troops dismantled an illegal refining site in Nembe LGA, seizing 1,500 litres of stolen products.
A wooden boat loaded with 2,500 litres of crude was also intercepted in Clough Creek, Ekeremor LGA.
In Delta State, troops intercepted 2,500 litres of stolen products stored within Lamiel Hotel and Suites in Uvwie LGA.
Meanwhile, in Edo State, troops seized two vehicles transporting stolen crude oil in Orhionmwon LGA.
The Army also maintained a presence in Akwa Ibom State, ensuring waterways were patrolled to deter criminal activities.
In total, the operations resulted in the destruction of 34 illegal refining sites, 180 cooking drum pots, and 29 metal container receivers.
Troops also seized 19 boats, multiple vehicles, and motorcycles. Arrested suspects were handed over to relevant authorities for prosecution.
The General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, praised the troops’ dedication and assured that the Army would sustain these operations to combat oil theft and sabotage in the region.
“We will continue to thwart the intentions of economic saboteurs and ensure increased oil and gas production,” Abdussalam said.