In a major crackdown on oil theft, troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division have destroyed 25 illegal refineries and seized over 95,000 litres of stolen crude in the Niger Delta. The operation, conducted in collaboration with other security agencies between February 10 and 16, also led to the arrest of 12 suspected oil thieves.
According to a statement by the Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, troops dismantled 18 boats used for the illicit trade and confiscated various equipment across four states in the region.
“In Rivers State, a 45,000-litre capacity DAF truck with multiple plate numbers was intercepted while attempting to steal crude along the Trans Niger Pipeline route,” Danjuma said. “The suspects fled, abandoning the truck.”
Troops also seized two wooden boats in Etche Local Government Area, each loaded with 20,000 litres of stolen crude. In Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, three illegal bunkering dump sites containing over 3,420 litres of illegally refined diesel were discovered, leading to the arrest of two suspects.
A similar crackdown in Delta State led to the destruction of multiple refining sites in Warri South West and Warri South LGAs. The Army dismantled holding facilities and recovered thousands of litres of stolen crude and illegally refined diesel. Additional raids in Udu LGA uncovered illicit fuel stored at Cp Villa and Kazo Hotels, where four suspects were apprehended.
In Bayelsa State, troops raided an illegal refining site in Yenagoa, recovering over 1,000 litres of stolen crude. Elsewhere, security forces intercepted a tricycle loaded with an unspecified quantity of illegally refined diesel, abandoned by its owner upon sighting soldiers.
Near Clough Creek in Ekeremor LGA, armed oil thieves attempted to resist the troops by opening fire. The Army responded with superior firepower, forcing the criminals to flee. Two wooden boats were destroyed, and an undisclosed volume of stolen crude was secured.
In Akwa Ibom State, intensified military operations have continued to disrupt the activities of economic saboteurs.
Commending the troops, the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Major General Eric Emekah, urged them to maintain pressure on illegal bunkerers. During an operational visit to the Imo River region, Emekah inspected notorious illegal refining hubs and ordered their immediate destruction.
“The troops have been directed to comb the entire stretch, including adjoining forests, to ensure the complete elimination of illegal refining sites,” the statement added.
With the Army’s continued crackdown, authorities hope to deter oil theft and safeguard the nation’s resources.
