The Nigerian Army’s 6th Division in Port Harcourt has seized 700,000 liters of stolen petroleum products and dismantled 29 illegal refineries across the Niger Delta in a recent operation. Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah, the Division’s Public Relations Officer, disclosed that the seizures and arrests took place between October 28 and November 3, 2024, targeting hotspots in Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Delta States.
During these operations, 24 individuals suspected of oil theft were arrested, 14 boats used in crude oil theft were destroyed, and significant quantities of illegally refined diesel were seized.
In Rivers State, troops intercepted a large boat in Akuku-Toru LGA’s Kula area, carrying 150,000 liters of stolen crude oil. Further, a second boat with 50,000 litres of crude was seized, and three refining sites dismantled, confiscating 20,000 litres of diesel in the process. Another 400,000 liters of diesel were seized at illegal refining sites in Kay and Abesa.
In Bayelsa, the Army deactivated sites at Boma Creek, seizing over 2,500 litres of crude, and in Obughene Creek, recovered 4,500 litres of stolen crude. Another 3,000 litres were seized at West Boma Creek.
In Akwa Ibom, soldiers stopped two vehicles transporting 3,000 liters of diesel hidden in bags. Meanwhile, in Delta State, raids included the interception of a tricycle in Kwale with stolen iron pipes and a storage site in Patani with 40 jerricans of stolen products. In Uro Community, a boat carrying 200 sacks of premium motor spirit was intercepted.
All suspects have been handed over for prosecution, while seized products are being handled according to official protocols, signaling the Army’s commitment to combating oil theft and protecting national resources.
