By Okeke Eunice
The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has announced that its troops confiscated 197,000 litres of stolen crude oil and apprehended 29 suspects in the Niger Delta.
In addition, the Army reported the destruction of 42 illegal refining sites across various parts of the region.
Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 6 Division, made this known in a statement released in Port Harcourt on Sunday and shared with the press.
Danjuma explained that the success was a result of ongoing operations against illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta, highlighting that the latest operation was a six-day raid conducted across three states, including Rivers and Bayelsa.
The statement reads, “The operations, carried out from December 9-15, 2024, led to the dismantling of 42 illegal refining sites, the arrest of 29 suspected oil thieves, and the seizure of 197,000 litres of stolen crude oil.
“Additionally, 32 boats, 12 vehicles, and eight motorcycles used in economic sabotage were destroyed in the Niger Delta region.
“Troops carried out multiple operations in Bayelsa State, particularly around Biseni Forest in the Yenagoa Local Government Area, where four newly established illegal refining sites were deactivated, resulting in the recovery of approximately 37,000 litres of stolen crude.”
Danjuma noted that a similar success was achieved at Benkrukru, near the Oando Wellhead in Okordia Forest, also in Yenagoa LGA, where newly discovered illegal refining sites yielded about 29,900 litres of stolen crude and 2,000 litres of illegally refined crude and Automotive Gas Oil.
The statement continued, “Additionally, in the Olukama and Sabasuo areas of Nembe LGA, an illegal refining site was dismantled, and a wooden boat carrying over 5,000 litres of stolen crude was appropriately dealt with. Meanwhile, in Igbomotoru Creek in Southern Ijaw, a wooden boat containing over 1,000 litres of stolen crude was recovered from its hiding spot in the creek.”
In Rivers State, he stated, “Near Kula in Akuku-Toru LGA, three illegal refining sites, one wooden boat, and five fibre boats were intercepted, along with over 30,000 litres of stolen crude.
“Similarly, at Bille in Degema LGA, two illegal refining sites and two wooden boats containing about 4,000 litres of stolen crude were seized.”
Danjuma further explained that along the Imo River, 13 illegal refining sites were dismantled, with the recovery of 73 drum pots, 40 drum receivers, 11 metal container receivers, and more than 28,500 litres of stolen crude.
He added, “Seizures were also made along Elele-Omoku road, Obiafo, Ododa, and Ogbogolo communities in Abual/Odual LGA, Alesa in Eleme LGA, Odagwa – Imo River in Etche LGA, and Coconut Estate in Bonny Island LGA, among several other areas.
“In Delta State, at Aronwon Community in Warri North LGA, one active illegal refining site was discovered, with five ovens, one boat, and around 5,000 litres of illegally refined products.”
“Troops also intercepted three tanker trucks filled with substances believed to be illegally refined AGO at the Pig Parker Filling Station along the refinery road in Uvwie LGA. Five suspected oil thieves were arrested in connection with the seized products.
Speaking about the operation, the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, praised the troops for maintaining their efforts and encouraged them to remain focused on their mission.
Abdussalam emphasized that the ongoing fight against illegal bunkering and artisanal refining is crucial to achieving the targets set for December 2024.”