Military Dismantles 34 Illegal Refineries, Seizes 80,650 Litres of Stolen Crude
In a major crackdown on illegal oil activities, the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has successfully dismantled 34 illicit refining sites, arrested 11 suspected oil thieves, and recovered over 80,650 litres of stolen crude and refined products.
These operations, spanning from November 18 to 24, 2024, were carried out in several states across the Niger Delta region, including Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, and Akwa Ibom.
Details of the operations were shared by Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, acting Deputy Director of the 6 Division Army Public Relations.
In Rivers State, military personnel deactivated eight illegal refining sites in the Buguma Creeks area of Asari-Toru Local Government Area, seizing more than 25,000 litres of stolen products.
They also found a wellhead used as a loading point in Iyalama/Bakana, confiscating over 8,000 litres of stolen products, along with cooking pots, receivers, and four wooden boats.
Additionally, two wooden boats carrying 3,000 litres of stolen crude were intercepted near Ogaji-Ama in Buguma South East River.
Further operations in Bonny Local Government Area led to the dismantling of another illegal refinery with 10,000 litres of stolen crude.
In Ahoada West Local Government Area, a boat carrying 2,000 litres of stolen products was seized, and an armed vandal was neutralized during an encounter in ONELGA, where a pump-action gun and five cartridges were recovered.
In Bayelsa, operations resulted in the interception of 2,500 litres of stolen crude in Clough Creek (Ekeremor LGA), and 1,500 litres of stolen products were seized in Sangakubu, Nembe LGA.
The military also dismantled illegal refining sites in Southern Ijaw LGA and confiscated unquantified stolen products.
Delta State saw over 2,500 litres of stolen crude intercepted in Uvwie Local Government Area, while Edo State operations led to the seizure of two vehicles loaded with stolen products in Abe Community.
In Akwa Ibom State, the Army maintained pressure on criminal activities through sustained land and waterway patrols.
In total, the military dismantled 34 illegal refining sites, arrested 11 suspects, and recovered over 80,650 litres of stolen oil products.
Other items seized included 180 cooking drums, 29 metal container receivers, several vehicles, and motorcycles.
All arrested individuals were handed over to the relevant authorities, and the seized products were properly disposed of.
Maj. Gen. Jamal Abdussalam, General Officer Commanding the 6 Division, commended the troops for their outstanding efforts in safeguarding the country’s oil and gas resources. He affirmed that such operations will continue to disrupt illegal activities and enhance security in the region.
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