In a significant victory against oil theft and economic sabotage, troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, have recovered over 1.2 million litres of stolen crude oil and dismantled 56 illegal refineries across the Niger Delta region.
The operations also led to the arrest of 17 suspected oil thieves.
The Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 6 Division, Jonah Danjuma, disclosed these details in a statement released on Sunday.
According to him, the intensified anti-bunkering operations, conducted from November 25 to December 1, 2024, covered four states: Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom.
Troops destroyed 88 cooking drums and 20 boats utilized for illicit oil activities, intercepted seven vehicles, and discovered six illegal pipeline connections.
Additionally, five motorcycles used for economic sabotage were confiscated.
“This feat follows the scaling up of anti-illegal bunkering operations across the Niger Delta Region, showcasing visible operational footprints,” Danjuma stated.
In Rivers State, troops:
Discovered an illegal connection on a 36-inch government pipeline in Kula I, Akuku-Toru LGA, recovering 100,000 litres of stolen crude from a ground reservoir.
Seized 35,000 litres of crude from an abandoned truck in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA.
Dismantled eight illegal refining sites in Degema LGA, confiscating 27,000 litres of stolen crude and arresting three suspects.
In Bayelsa State, operations in Okordia Forest, Yenagoa LGA, deactivated 15 illegal sites, recovering 755,000 litres of stolen crude and 53,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
In Biseni Forest, 34,000 litres of stolen crude and 5,500 litres of AGO were also seized.
In Delta State, troops uncovered:
Over 40,000 litres of stolen crude in Ugo Community, Edo State, leading to the arrest of one suspect.
In Warri South LGA, 2,000 litres of illegally refined AGO and four suspects were seized.
In Akwa Ibom State, 5,580 litres of petroleum motor spirit (PMS) were intercepted at Enwang Bridge as smugglers attempted to transport the products to a neighboring country.
The Nigerian Army’s intensified operations underscore the commitment to addressing the nation’s recurring oil theft menace, which significantly undermines its economy.
Danjuma emphasized that the Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, would sustain the momentum, ensuring the safety and stability of critical national assets in the region.
As the fight against illegal oil activities in the Niger Delta continues, these efforts represent a decisive step toward curbing economic sabotage and preserving the nation’s natural resources.