Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army (NA), working alongside other security agencies, have arrested 23 suspected oil thieves and recovered 180,000 litres of stolen petroleum products across the Niger Delta region.
Starreporters’ correspondence reports that in Port Harcourt on Monday, the acting deputy director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, confirmed the development, stating that 13 illegal refineries had also been destroyed.
In Rivers State, troops operating around the Orachi/Okolomade area in Abua/Odual Local Government Area (LGA) confiscated over 45,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO) hidden at multiple forest locations.
Around Obiafo in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA (ONELGA), operatives dismantled an active illegal refining site and recovered more than 28,000 litres of stolen crude stored in two reservoirs. One suspect was arrested at the scene, while others fled, leaving behind an 800-metre hose and a pumping machine.
Additionally, troops uncovered another illegal refining site at Peterside Community in Bonny LGA, recovering three refining pots, receivers, and over 10,000 litres of stolen products.
“Similarly, during a snap operation along the Obrikom–Omoku axis, troops intercepted two wooden boats conveying over 3,000 litres of illegally refined AGO, leading to the arrest of seven suspected oil thieves,” Danjuma said.
He added that ongoing clearance operations around the fringes of the Imo River had resulted in the dismantling of several illegal refining sites, along with the destruction of drum pots and receivers.
In Akwa Ibom State, troops, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted a tanker truck along the Itu–Calabar highway in Itu LGA. The truck, bearing registration number 1430 LA, was loaded with 39,994 litres of stolen products. Two suspects were arrested, and investigations revealed that the cargo was accompanied by fake waybill documents.
Similarly, along the Abak–Ikomima road in Uyo LGA, troops intercepted another truck with registration number 22689 LA, laden with 39,985 litres of stolen crude, also accompanied by forged documentation.
In a related operation at Ibio Ndot Community in Orok Anam LGA, troops uncovered 103 nylon bags filled with more than 3,090 litres of illegally refined AGO concealed in a cassava farm.
In Bayelsa State, troops discovered an illegal refining site at Biseni in Yenagoa Local Government Area (YELGA), containing over 2,600 litres of AGO. At the Adibawa area, also in YELGA, over 2,500 litres of stolen crude and 1,100 litres of illegally refined AGO were recovered.
“Additionally, eight wheelbarrows used for illicit activities were seized, and six suspected oil thieves were arrested at the scene,” Danjuma said.
He quoted the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Eric Emekah, urging troops to maintain pressure against all forms of economic sabotage in the region.