The Nigerian Army’s 6 Division has intensified its fight against illegal oil bunkering in the Niger Delta, dismantling 56 illegal refineries, recovering over 1.2 million liters of stolen crude oil, and apprehending 17 suspects.
These operations were carried out between November 25 and December 1, 2024, across Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom states.
Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Jonah Danjuma, revealed that the raids were executed in collaboration with other security agencies.
In Bayelsa State, troops dismantled 15 illegal refining sites in Okordia Forest, Yenagoa Local Government Area (LGA), recovering 755,000 liters of stolen crude oil and 53,000 liters of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). Another 12 sites in Biseni Forest yielded 34,000 liters of stolen crude and 5,500 liters of refined AGO.
In Rivers State, an illegal connection on a government pipeline in Akuku-Toru LGA was uncovered, along with a ground reservoir containing 100,000 liters of stolen crude oil. Operations in Degema LGA led to the seizure of 27,000 liters of stolen crude and the interception of equipment used for oil theft.
Troops also destroyed 11 illegal refining sites along the Imo River, confiscating 88 cooking drums, 26 metal containers, and 42,500 liters of stolen crude oil.
In Delta State, an operation in Ugo Community uncovered a storage room filled with stolen crude and 200 sacks containing 40,000 liters of illegal products.
Troops dismantled an illegal refining site in Warri South LGA and seized 2,000 liters of AGO.
Akwa Ibom operations saw the interception of over 5,580 liters of petroleum motor spirit at Enwang Bridge in Mbo LGA, suspected of being prepared for smuggling.
Major General Jamal Abdussalam, General Officer Commanding 6 Division, commended the troops for their efforts and reaffirmed the army’s commitment to safeguarding national resources and combating economic sabotage in the region.
The army’s efforts aim to enhance security and protect Nigeria’s economic and environmental interests in the oil-rich Niger Delta.
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