The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has dismantled 34 illegal refining sites, arrested 11 suspected oil thieves, and recovered over 80,650 litres of stolen crude and refined products during clearance operations across the Niger Delta region.
These operations, conducted between November 18 and 24, 2024, covered Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, and Akwa Ibom states.
Providing details of the operations in a statement on Sunday, acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, said in Rivers State, “Troops deactivated eight illegal refining sites in the Buguma Creeks area of Asari-Toru Local Government Area, recovering over 25,000 litres of stolen products. At Iyalama/Bakana, they discovered a wellhead used as a loading point, several cooking pots, receivers, and four wooden boats, confiscating over 8,000 litres of stolen products.”
He further revealed that near Ogaji-Ama in Buguma South East River, “Two wooden boats carrying 3,000 litres of stolen crude were intercepted.”
In Bonny Local Government Area, operations led to the dismantling of an illegal refining site housing 10,000 litres of stolen crude in a local reservoir.
At the Ahoada West Local Government Area, Danjuma said, “Troops intercepted a wooden boat carrying 2,000 litres of stolen products, while in ONELGA, they encountered and neutralized an armed vandal who opened fire on them. A pump-action gun and five cartridges were recovered at the site.”
In the Degema Local Government Area’s Ke Community, he noted, “A large wooden boat suspected to be used for oil theft was seized, along with a fibre boat carrying 1,500 litres of stolen crude.”
On the operations in Bayelsa State, Danjuma said, “At Clough Creek within Ekeremor Local Government Area, a wooden boat carrying 2,500 litres of stolen crude was intercepted. Around Sangakubu in Nembe Local Government Area, an illegal refining site was dismantled, and 1,500 litres of stolen products were confiscated.”
He added that in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, “Illegal refining sites and a wooden boat with unquantified stolen products were appropriately handled.”
In Delta State, he explained, “Troops intercepted over 2,500 litres of stolen crude stored at a hotel in Uvwie Local Government Area.”
Operations in Abe Community, Orhiomwon Local Government Area of Edo State, “Led to the interception of two vehicles loaded with stolen products.”
Danjuma said in Akwa Ibom State, the Army sustained operations to dominate land and waterways, maintaining pressure on criminal activities.
Summarising the achievements of the operations, Danjuma stated, “In total, 34 illegal refining sites were dismantled, 11 suspects arrested, and 80,650 litres of stolen products recovered. Other seizures included 180 cooking drums, 29 metal container receivers, several vehicles, and motorcycles. All arrested suspects were handed over to the relevant authorities, while the recovered products were appropriately disposed of.”
Commending the troops, the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Maj. Gen. Jamal Abdussalam, said, “Their efforts have been remarkable in ensuring the security of our oil and gas resources. We will continue to sustain these operations to achieve increased production and curb criminal activities in the region.”
