The Nigerian Army has disclosed that its 6 Division Troop has successfully discovered and destroyed 12 illegal refining sites, arrested suspected vandals, and recovered 70,000 litres of stolen petroleum products during a week-long operation in the Niger Delta region.
This was disclosed by Col. Jonah Danjuma, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations in Porrhacourt during an address on Sunday.
Danjuma said, “Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, while consolidating operational gains, have dismantled 12 illegal refining sites, arrested 16 suspected oil thieves, demobilised six boats, intercepted nine vandalised pipelines, and confiscated over 70,000 litres of stolen petroleum products across the joint operations area.”
He also revealed that the operation was coordinated with other security agencies across Rivers State and three other states in the region within the 27th of January to 2nd of February 2025.
His statement also revealed that two fully loaded suction trucks carrying 12,000 litres of stolen crude oil each along the Igwurita-Airport Road in Ikwerre Local Government Area were intercepted as well as the discovery of a large storage facility in a scrap yard on the same road, leading to the seizure of over 10,000 litres of stolen products stored in multiple tanks.
“Further clearance operations around the Imo River led to the destruction of three illegal refining sites, 43 cooking drum pots, 23 receivers, and three fibre boats, along with the confiscation of over 4,000 litres of stolen petroleum products. Troops also recovered a locally fabricated double-barrel gun, believed to have been abandoned by fleeing oil thieves.”
“At Ndoni Waterside in ONELGA, troops intercepted over 102 sacks containing approximately 5,100 litres of stolen AGO and Premium Motor Spirit. Another 35 sacks filled with 2,100 litres of illegally refined AGO were confiscated at Agah, while two oil thieves were apprehended in Omoku with 14 sacks of condensates stored in their residence.” Danjuma revealed
He also stated that the operations also extended to other states, one of which is Delta State, where troops intercepted an abandoned wooden boat containing over 3,160 litres of stolen crude oil in the Ashaka Okpai community water channel in Ndokwa East Local Government Area.
Also in Bayelsa State, where over 1,100 litres of illegally refined AGO was found in the possession of an individual in Sagbama Local Government Area leading to his arrest.
The General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Emekah, commended the troops for their successful operations and urged them to maintain their operational tempo to ensure a secure environment for legitimate exploration activities. He also emphasized the importance of professionalism and discipline in carrying out their duties.