Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division, in collaboration with other security agencies, have escalated efforts to curb oil theft in the Niger Delta.
Operations conducted from 28 October to 3 November 2024 saw the destruction of numerous illegal oil refining sites, arrests of dozens of suspects, and the recovery of over 700,000 litres of stolen oil products.
Troops at work at the illegal refinery sites
In Rivers State, a significant interception was made when troops seized a massive wooden boat carrying over 150,000 litres of stolen crude near Kula in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area.
Six suspects were arrested in connection with this operation.
Additional operations in the same vicinity led to the confiscation of another 50,000 litres of crude and the deactivation of three illegal refining sites, which held cooking pots containing over 20,000 litres of stolen diesel.
“Our forces are unwavering in dismantling these illegal networks,” said Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations.
Elsewhere in Akuku-Toru LGA, around Kay and Abesa areas, ten more illegal refining sites were shut down, and over 400,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) were seized.
In another operation at the Rukpoku pipeline, troops acted on credible intelligence to intercept two tanker trucks each capable of carrying 15,000 litres, foiling an attempted theft.
Bayelsa State saw further crackdowns, particularly in Southern Ijaw, where two illegal refining sites were deactivated along Boma creek, with troops confiscating 2,500 litres of stolen crude.
In a nearby area, a wooden boat with an additional 2,500 litres was intercepted.
These operations reflect an intensified military presence across the state, according to the army’s statement.
Operations also extended to Akwa Ibom, where troops intercepted two Toyota Camry vehicles laden with illegally refined AGO hidden in nylon bags.
Two suspects were detained. In Delta State, troops intercepted a tricycle at Beneku carrying stolen iron pipes.
The tricycle operator and a suspect, Stanley Asikewe, notorious for illegally cutting iron pipes, were arrested.
Troops in Delta also raided an illegal storage site in Patani LGA, seizing 40 plastic kegs of stolen oil products.
Near Uro Community, they intercepted a wooden boat containing over 200 sacks of premium motor spirit, with suspects fleeing on sighting the troops.
Major General Jamal Abdussalam, General Officer Commanding 6 Division, praised the efforts, urging troops to “continue the fight until oil theft is eradicated.”
Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma confirmed that all arrested suspects have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for prosecution, while seized products were disposed of according to the operational mandate.
