August 25, (THEWILL) — Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, have intercepted over 32,000 litres of stolen petroleum products and arrested 69 suspects during a clampdown on oil theft across the Niger Delta.
A statement by the Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah, said the troops, working in collaboration with other security agencies, also dismantled nine illegal refining sites during the two-week operation.
Described as one of the most extensive anti-oil theft operations in recent months, the crackdown targeted hotspots in Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom states.
In Delta State, troops intercepted two trucks conveying more than 15,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in Sapele, arresting three suspects. Additional recoveries were made in Nana Town, Warri North.
“In Rivers State, three illegal refining sites were dismantled in Degema, yielding 7,000 litres of stolen products and a wooden boat.
“Troops also intercepted boats carrying stolen condensates in Omoku and recovered 1,500 litres of condensate near an illegal connection point.
“Operations in Oyigbo and Okrika led to further seizures. Similar raids in Andoni and along the Imo River uncovered stolen petroleum products, pipes, and valves, while two refining sites were destroyed in Obuzor and Oyigbo.
“In Bayelsa, troops discovered two reservoirs with 7,000 litres of stolen crude at Biseni, while in Akwa Ibom, further seizures were made,” the statement added.
The Army noted that all suspects had been handed over to the appropriate authorities for prosecution, while the seized products were being managed in line with operational procedures.
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