January 06, (THEWILL) – Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division, in collaboration with other security agencies, have intensified their clampdown on oil theft in the Niger Delta, destroying 20 illegal refining sites and confiscating 31 boats in a series of operations.
Between December 30, 2024, and January 5, 2025, the joint operations also recovered approximately 190,000 litres of stolen crude oil and arrested 11 suspects involved in the criminal enterprise.
Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of Public Relations for the 6 Division, disclosed these details in a statement on Monday, emphasizing the commitment to dismantling networks of oil thieves in the Niger Delta.
The statement outlined several targeted operations across the region, which yielded significant results.
“ At Benkrukru, Okordia, in Yenagoa Local Government Area (LGA), troops discovered four oil sewage tanks filled with over 70,000 litres of stolen crude, along with 700 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and one suction machine.
“Two illegal refining sites at Amalaghakiri, Nembe LGA, were destroyed, yielding 15,000 litres of stolen crude.
“Another site in Oyeregbene, Southern Ijaw LGA, was dismantled, with over 1,500 litres of stolen products confiscated.”
It added, At Omoku, troops disrupted an illegal operation and uncovered an illegal connection point on the Oando Pipeline near Ebocha, recovering four boats with 22,000 litres of stolen products.
“In Mgbede, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, four illegal refining sites and five wooden boats were destroyed, alongside 108 locally made ovens and tanks containing 31,000 litres of stolen products.
“At Ivade, Ethiope West LGA, two J5 Boxer vehicles were intercepted with over 7,500 litres of stolen crude packed in cellphone bags.
“Additional seizures of 2,500 litres of crude oil were recorded at Ikengbensi waterways, Isoko South LGA.
“Troops intercepted eight drums containing 2,240 litres of premium motor spirit (PMS) at Ibaka Beach, suspected to be intended for smuggling to a neighboring country.”
Commending the troops for their dedication, the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, urged them to sustain their efforts to eradicate oil theft and related crimes in the region.
“These operations are crucial in safeguarding Nigeria’s oil resources and ensuring national economic security,” Abdussalam said.
The army reaffirmed its commitment to working with other security agencies to dismantle the network of oil thieves and urged the public to support the ongoing efforts to combat illegal activities in the Niger Delta.
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