In a series of intensified clearance operations, troops of the 6 Division Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, have ramped up efforts to combat criminal activities in the Niger Delta Region (NDR).
These operations have led to the dismantling of over 37 illegal refining sites, the discovery of 10 illicit connection points, and the destruction of six wooden boats used for transporting stolen oil products.
In a statement, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, reported that nine suspected oil thieves were apprehended during the raids, along with seven vehicles, eight motorcycles, and four trucks used in the illegal operations.
Additionally, the troops seized over 221,000 litres of illegally refined petroleum products and multiple pumping machines, effectively disrupting several attempts by criminals to establish new oil bunkering hubs in the region.
Danjuma highlighted significant successes in Rivers State, where soldiers operating around the Imo River, Owaza, and Odogwa Creeks confiscated 15,000 litres of stolen crude oil from a large wooden boat.
Similar results were achieved at Okoloma and Obuzor Creeks, where troops shut down nine active illegal refining sites, destroyed five boats, and seized over 13,000 litres of stolen oil.
In the Ebocha Ndoni area, security forces recovered 8,500 litres of stolen products, 116 sacks containing over 7,000 litres of oil, and various illegal refining equipment. Additionally, a suspect was intercepted with a Toyota Camry carrying over 2,000 litres of stolen products.
Further operations along the Ndoni-Obiafo road saw a suspect fleeing at the sight of troops, abandoning a Toyota Sienna loaded with stolen oil. A Volvo car containing 36 sacks of oil, estimated to be over 2,000 litres, was also intercepted.
In Aga Community, Omoku, troops seized 16 newly constructed illegal refining drums, as part of broader efforts to prevent the establishment of new oil bunkering hubs. Further success was recorded in Ikwerede, where troops neutralized illegal refining sites containing over 5,000 litres of stolen oil.
In Delta State, troops intercepted a tanker carrying stolen crude oil along Jesse Oben road, resulting in the arrest of two suspects. A subsequent operation in the same area uncovered an empty truck, positioned to steal crude from SEPLAT Energy Nigeria Plc’s pipeline, leading to the arrest of three more suspects.
Additional raids in Delta and Edo States also resulted in multiple arrests, with troops confiscating equipment used in oil theft.
In Ekeremor, Bayelsa State, troops destroyed an illegal refinery and seized a reservoir containing over 4,000 litres of crude oil. Similar operations in Akwa Ibom saw the confiscation of over 14,000 litres of stolen crude oil and other illegal materials.
Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma emphasized the army’s determination to deny criminal elements any foothold in the Niger Delta.
The General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, commended the resilience of the troops and reiterated the army’s commitment to ensuring a secure environment that fosters increased oil production in the region. All suspects have been handed over to the relevant authorities for prosecution.
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