In a series of coordinated operations across the Niger Delta, troops from the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division have dismantled 17 illegal refineries and confiscated approximately 170,000 litres of stolen petroleum products. These efforts also led to the arrest of several individuals involved in oil theft and the destruction of equipment used for illicit activities.
Operations in Rivers State
Ahoada West Local Government Area (LGA): Troops intercepted a Cotonou boat loaded with over 34,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) near Okarki.
Bonny Island LGA: An illegal refining site containing more than 30,000 litres of stolen crude oil was uncovered in Ogbonga Forest.
Degema and Asari-Toru LGAs: In the Bakana/Buguma area, soldiers discovered a large pot filled with unquantified amounts of suspected stolen crude oil.
Okrika LGA: An illicit connection point with a valve on a Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) pipeline was found, along with a 2,000-meter hose leading to a storage pit containing over 20,000 litres of stolen crude. Additionally, three receivers and six locally made boats holding 14,000 litres of stolen crude oil were seized.
Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA: At the Idu flow station in Omoku, troops encountered three suspected oil thieves attempting to vandalize the Oando pipeline. One suspect was apprehended, while another was immobilized during an escape attempt. Tools such as pliers, saws, hammers, and fabricated F-angle pipes used for pipeline tampering were recovered.
Operations in Bayelsa State
Nembe LGA: An illegal refining site with over 2,000 litres of illegally refined AGO was deactivated in the Kalabilema area.
Southern Ijaw LGA: Around Igbomotoru Creek, troops intercepted a wooden boat suspected of being used for oil theft.
Operations in Akwa Ibom State
Mbo LGA: Acting on credible intelligence, troops in Enwang II intercepted 43 drums, each containing 280 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), totaling approximately 12,040 litres. These products were believed to be prepared for smuggling to a neighboring country.
Operations in Delta State
Warri LGA: Four suspected oil thieves were arrested in Koko while transporting 35 drums of black oil, estimated at over 7,000 litres, in a Mercedes Benz truck with registration number BKH 660 XA Delta.
Okpe LGA: In Ugbokodo, troops discovered several sacks containing over 2,000 litres of stolen crude oil.
Ndokwa West LGA: At the NNPC/PAN Ocean company pipeline in Idemili Community, a compromised pipeline with an attached valve was found, indicating an attempt to siphon crude oil. The vandals fled upon sighting the troops, leaving behind various items used for the illicit operation.
These operations underscore the Nigerian Army’s commitment to eradicating oil theft and illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta, thereby safeguarding the nation’s critical economic assets.
Leave a Reply