In a crackdown on oil theft across the Niger Delta region, troops from the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with various security agencies, have made substantial progress in combating illegal activities related to crude oil. From October 21 to 27, 2024, a series of operations led to the arrest of 27 suspected oil thieves and the confiscation of over 215,000 liters of stolen petroleum products.
According to a statement from Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the Acting Deputy Director of the 6 Division Army Public Relations, the operations were primarily concentrated in Rivers State, where authorities dismantled three artisanal refineries in the Akuku-Toru Local Government Area. There, they recovered more than 100,000 liters of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in a strategic offensive against oil theft that continues to plague the region.
The operations revealed a well-entrenched network of oil theft and illegal refining sites. In the Bukuma area of Degema LGA, troops dismantled an illegal refining site containing over 12,000 liters of stolen AGO. Further interceptions led to the seizure of a large wooden boat loaded with over 7,000 liters of stolen condensate. In the Bille area, two more illegal refining sites were shut down, and a wooden boat carrying an additional 3,000 liters of stolen products was confiscated.
The audacity of the oil thieves was laid bare during an operation near the Obiafo Oil Field, where five suspects were apprehended while attempting to compromise the Oando pipeline. Troops recovered 11 sacks filled with stolen products, alongside essential equipment including three drilling machines and tools. The vigilance of the troops was highlighted when they arrested an oil thief in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, who was found in possession of a locally made revolver and ammunition.
It is worth noting that in the Ahoada region, several key interceptions were made, including a Toyota Sienna loaded with 25 sacks of suspected condensates, totaling over 1,500 liters, and a fabricated double-barrel gun. The relentless pursuit by security forces continued as they confiscated 34 Nylon bags of stolen condensates estimated at 1,800 liters in Ahoada West, alongside the destruction of 16 illegal refining sites in the Imo Riverside area, yielding more than 10,000 liters of stolen products.
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It bears mentioning that operations extended beyond Rivers State into Delta and Bayelsa States, where additional illegal refining sites were deactivated. Notably, troops intercepted wooden boats stealing crude oil at the Opumami Oil Field in Warri South LGA, seizing over 1,200 liters concealed within cellophane bags at a trailer park in Ethiope West LGA.
In a show of regional cooperation, the Nigerian Army has remained committed to safeguarding the Niger Delta environment. Major General Jamal Abdussalam, General Officer Commanding the 6 Division, expressed gratitude to the troops for their dedication and resilience, emphasizing the need to create a secure environment conducive to socio-economic activities.
“The success of these operations is a testament to our collective resolve against oil theft and the protection of our national resources,” he stated, urging continued vigilance to deter criminal elements.
