Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, have recorded significant success in curbing oil theft and vandalism across the Niger Delta Region.
Confirming the report, Acting Deputy Director 6 Division Army Public Relations Lieut. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma said in the past week, the military destroyed 37 illegal refining sites, intercepted 12 boats, 9 vehicles, and 4 motorcycles involved in crude oil theft, and arrested 8 suspects. Over 230,000 litres of stolen crude and petroleum products were confiscated.
He said key highlights of the operation include the destruction of illegal refining sites and recovery of stolen crude in Akuku-Toru and Eleme LGAs in Rivers State.
Danjuma noted that a large wooden boat containing over 120,000 litres of stolen crude oil was intercepted, and 40,000 litres of oil were recovered from a criminal loading point at the ETEO SETRACO junction. Five individuals were arrested at the scene.
He said operations in Imo and other locations across the region led to the destruction of 30 additional illegal refining sites and the recovery of 20,000 litres of stolen products.
In Bayelsa and Delta States, troops disrupted illegal activities around Ekeremor, Nembe, and Olomoroh communities, recovering thousands of litres of crude and AGO (Automotive Gas Oil).
Troops are credited with thwarting numerous illegal connections and bunkering attempts, and the crackdown comes in the wake of a visit by Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar.
The General Officer Commanding, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, praised the troops and urged continued vigilance to safeguard the region’s oil infrastructure and economy. All suspects and recovered materials have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation.
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