Troops arrest oil thieves, recover arms, and stolen crude in Niger Delta operations

In a sustained anti-oil theft operation conducted from October 21-27, 2024, Nigerian Army troops of the 6 Division, in conjunction with other security agencies, intensified their efforts across the Joint Operations Area (JOA).

These operations resulted in multiple arrests, the dismantling of several illegal refineries, and the recovery of substantial quantities of stolen crude oil and arms.

Confirming the success of the mission, Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, reported that operations in Rivers State led to the deactivation of three artisanal refineries, arrest of numerous oil thieves, and seizure of over 100,000 liters of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) near Abesa in Akuku-Toru LGA.

In Degema LGA, a major refinery site containing 12,000 litres of stolen AGO was dismantled, along with the interception of a large wooden boat carrying over 7,000 litres of stolen condensates.

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Lt. Col. Danjuma further detailed an interception near the Obiafo Oil Field, where troops foiled an attempt to breach the Oando pipeline, confiscating eleven sacks of stolen oil, drilling machines, and other tools.

Additionally, a revolver and six rounds of ammunition were recovered from an oil thief apprehended in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA. In a separate incident in Odagwa Community, 5,000 litres of stolen crude were discovered in a concealed pit.

In Ahoada East and Ahoada West LGAs, troops intercepted multiple vehicles, including a Toyota Sienna loaded with approximately 1,500 litres of suspected condensates and a double-barrel firearm.

In Imo Riverside, troops dismantled 16 illegal refineries, destroyed 50 drum pots, and confiscated boats containing over 10,000 litres of stolen crude.

Operations extended to Delta State, where troops intercepted wooden boats illicitly tapping crude from the Opumami Oil Field in Warri South LGA.

Acting on intelligence, they also seized 16 bags filled with over 1,200 liters of crude oil in Ethiope West LGA, arresting two suspects believed to be linked to repeated pipeline vandalism. In another encounter, suspects abandoned a Toyota Camry loaded with sacks of AGO.

Bayelsa State saw similar successes, with troops deactivating illegal refining sites and seizing boats with thousands of liters of stolen crude. In Ekeremor LGA, a refinery site and boat holding 4,000 liters of stolen oil were captured.

Near Nembe and Southern Ijaw, more refining sites and boats were intercepted, and three suspected vandals attempting to tap crude from Wellhead 5 along Clough Creek were detained with tools and four boats.

In Akwa Ibom State, troops intercepted a Volkswagen vehicle carrying 20 bags of stolen products, maintaining strong vigilance to curtail illegal activities across the JOA. In total, 34 illegal refining sites, 19 boats, eight vehicles, and over 215,000 litres of stolen products were secured, with 27 suspects detained.

Major General Jamal Abdussalam, General Officer Commanding the 6 Division, commended the troops for their dedication and urged them to continue their operations to ensure a secure environment that fosters socio-economic growth in the Niger Delta region.