Soldiers seize 197,000 litres stolen crude in Niger Delta
The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has reported that its troops have seized 197,000 litres of stolen crude oil and arrested 29 suspects in the Niger Delta region. The Army also announced the destruction of 42 illegal refining sites in various parts of the region.
This information was disclosed by the Acting Deputy Director of the 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Sunday and shared with the press.
Danjuma explained that the operation was part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta, with the latest operation being a six-day raid across three states, including Rivers and Bayelsa.
The statement read: “The operations, conducted from 9 to 15 December 2024, led to the deactivation of 42 illegal refining sites, the arrest of 29 suspected oil thieves, and the confiscation of 197,000 litres of stolen crude oil.”
In addition, the Army reported the seizure of 32 boats, 12 vehicles, and eight motorcycles used in economic sabotage in the Niger Delta.
The operations were concentrated in Bayelsa State, where several illegal refining sites were targeted. Around Biseni Forest in Yenagoa Local Government Area (LGA), four newly established illegal refining sites were deactivated, resulting in the recovery of about 37,000 litres of stolen crude.
Similar operations were conducted in Benkrukru, near the Oando Wellhead in Okordia Forest, also in Yenagoa LGA, where additional illegal refining sites were dismantled, and a total of 31,900 litres of illegally refined crude and automotive gas oil were recovered.
The statement continued, “In Olukama and Sabasuo areas in Nembe LGA, an illegal refining site was found, along with a wooden boat containing over 5,000 litres of stolen crude. At Igbomotoru Creek in Southern Ijaw, a hidden wooden boat with over 1,000 litres of stolen crude was also recovered.”
In Rivers State, the operations led to the interception of three illegal refining sites and seven boats, including five fibre boats. Over 30,000 litres of stolen crude were confiscated in Kula, Akuku-Toru LGA. In Bille, Degema LGA, two illegal refining sites and two wooden boats containing about 4,000 litres of stolen crude were also seized.
The Army also reported significant finds along the Imo River, where 13 illegal refining sites, 73 drum pots, 40 drum receivers, 11 metal container receivers, and over 28,500 litres of stolen products were destroyed.
Seizures were also made in several other locations, including Elele-Omoku road, Obiafo, Ododa, and Ogbogolo Communities in Abual/Odual LGA, Alesa in Eleme LGA of Rivers State, Odagwa – Imo River in Etche LGA, and Coconut Estate in Bonny Island LGA.
In Delta State, troops dismantled an active illegal refining site in Aronwon Community, Warri North LGA, seizing five ovens, one boat, and about 5,000 litres of illegally refined products. They also intercepted three tanker trucks carrying substances suspected to be illegally refined AGO at the Pig Parker Filling Station in Uvwie LGA. Five suspected oil thieves were arrested in connection with the products.
General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, commended the troops for their ongoing efforts and urged them to maintain their momentum. He reiterated that the fight against illegal bunkering and artisanal refining was critical to meeting the targets set for December 2024.
