The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has reported a significant operation targeting illegal oil activities in the Niger Delta.
This operation resulted in the destruction of 20 illicit refining sites, the recovery of 90,000 litres of stolen petroleum products, and the apprehension of eight suspects.
The joint operation, conducted alongside other security agencies, spanned Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Delta States between December 23 and December 29, 2024. Acting Deputy Director of the 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, issued a statement on Sunday from Port Harcourt detailing the mission’s outcomes.
The statement emphasized the Army’s commitment to combating economic sabotage in the Niger Delta, stating: “Troops of the 6 Division, in collaboration with other security agencies, have intensified their efforts to disrupt illegal oil operations. This has led to the dismantling of 20 illegal refining sites, the arrest of eight suspected oil thieves, and the destruction of 21 boats used in criminal activities. Additionally, more than 90,000 litres of stolen products were recovered during these anti-bunkering operations.”
One of the major operations, based on actionable intelligence, took place in the Buguma area of Asari-Toru Local Government Area. Troops discovered a large tarpaulin reservoir and a wooden boat containing 37,000 litres of stolen condensates.
At Ogajiama in Buguma/Bakana, the troops encountered resistance from armed individuals but overcame them with superior firepower. They dismantled an illegal refinery site and seized equipment, including a large pot and a receiver containing 9,000 litres of refined kerosene. Three locally made boats loading crude oil from an abandoned wellhead were intercepted, leading to the arrest of three suspects.
In Krakrama Community, Degema LGA, two illegal refinery sites were discovered, along with four fibre boats, three wooden boats, and 2,000 litres of stolen crude oil.
In Gbede, Omoku, troops dismantled one refinery site and confiscated 27 locally made ovens and 31 sacks filled with over 2,000 litres of stolen products.
At Odagwa-Imo Riverside in Etche LGA, the Army discovered one illegal refining site, two drum pots, a wooden boat, and over 3,500 litres of stolen products.
In the Imo River region, seven illegal refineries were identified. Equipment seized included six boats, 122 drum pots, and 49 drum receivers, with more than 10,000 litres of stolen oil products recovered.
