In a significant crackdown on economic sabotage, troops from the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army have successfully deactivated 32 illegal oil refineries, dismantled 54 boats used by oil thieves, and recovered a staggering 250,000 liters of stolen petroleum products across the Niger Delta region.
In a detailed statement, Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, reported the successful operations conducted in collaboration with other security agencies. The army’s efforts have not only disrupted illicit oil activities but also led to multiple arrests, with several vehicles intercepted during the operations.
In Rivers State, the army recorded substantial successes, particularly in Omoku, located in the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area. Here, troops dismantled two illegal refining sites and destroyed three large tanks containing over 45,000 liters of stolen crude oil. Additionally, they seized 6 drums filled with more than 1,200 liters of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and two mini tanks holding over 3,000 liters of stolen products.
Danjuma highlighted the scale of the operations: “Our teams also deactivated four dugout pits containing over 12,000 liters of crude, three empty tanks, and 3 sacks of stolen AGO estimated to be over 2,000 liters.” At the Soku Gas Plant in Akuku-Toru LGA, a tugboat loaded with over 50,000 liters of AGO was intercepted along with its five crew members, showcasing the scale of the illegal operations being conducted.
Further operations at Karakrama in Degema LGA revealed the destruction of 21 wooden and twelve fiber boats used for criminal activities, along with the confiscation of over 28,000 liters of stolen crude. Troops also targeted the VIP Creek and New Jerusalem areas in Okrika LGA, where numerous jerricans filled with stolen products were intercepted.
In Bayelsa State, the army executed several targeted operations, effectively deactivating two illegal refining sites in the Olukama 1 and Amalaghakiri areas of Nembe LGA, recovering over 5,000 litres of stolen products. Similar actions in the Bolo Bokini area led to the destruction of two more illegal sites with over 4,500 litres of stolen products confiscated.
Danjuma noted the continued success in Ekeremor LGA, where operations in the Ngiloba community yielded significant recoveries, including several sacks containing over 2,000 liters of stolen products. The situation in the Okordia forest was similar, with another illegal refining site dismantled, resulting in the recovery of over 4,000 liters of stolen crude.
Delta State also saw robust activity, with a tipper truck intercepted carrying over 30 drums of stolen condensates. In Warri South LGA, two active illegal refining sites were dismantled, with additional discoveries of dugout pits containing over 12,500 liters of stolen crude.
Read More: Undercover Investigation Unveils Crude Oil Bunkering Operation in Eleme, Rivers State
In an alarming revelation, operations around Jones Creek led to the arrest of two suspects involved in the vandalization of oil well head equipment. Troops recovered various tools and equipment, including drilling machines and spanners, believed to be used in illegal activities.
Akwa Ibom State also faced scrutiny, where the army’s anti-bunkering operations resulted in the interception of two trucks loaded with over 30,000 litres of stolen products along the Port Harcourt-Ikot Abasi road.
