The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, has made significant strides in curbing oil theft in Rivers State and surrounding areas.
Between December 23 and 29, 2024, the joint forces arrested eight suspected oil thieves, dismantled multiple illegal refining sites and recovered over 90,000 liters of stolen petroleum products.
Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations in Port Harcourt, detailed the operations, which were initiated following intelligence on illegal activities in the Buguma area of Asari-Toru Local Government Area.
During the operation, troops engaged in a gunfight with criminals in the Ogajiama axis of Buguma/Bakana, leading to the discovery of a large tarpaulin storage reservoir and a wooden boat holding over 37,000 liters of stolen condensates. An illegal refining site with a pot and a receiver containing 9,000 liters of illegally refined Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) was also uncovered.
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Further operations in Rivers State included the dismantling of illegal refining sites in Krakrama, Degema Local Government Area, and Gbede, Omoku. In these areas, troops confiscated stolen crude, locally made ovens, wooden and fiber boats, and large quantities of refined and unrefined petroleum products.
In Etche Local Government Area, at Odagwa – Imo Riverside, security forces dismantled additional illegal refining sites and recovered equipment, including drum pots and wooden boats, along with over 3,500 liters of stolen products. At the fringes of the Imo River, seven illegal refining sites were destroyed, and over 10,000 liters of stolen products were seized.
Major General Jamal Abdussalam, General Officer Commanding the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, praised the troops for their efforts in securing Rivers State and urged them to remain vigilant. He also called on residents to provide intelligence to support the fight against economic sabotage in the region.
