In a significant breakthrough against oil theft, troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, have deactivated 56 illegal oil bunkering sites across the Niger Delta Region.
In a statement, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Division Lieut. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma said the operations, conducted between November 25 and December 1, 2024, also led to the recovery of over 1.2 million litres of stolen crude oil and refined products.
He said during the week-long operation, 17 suspected oil thieves were arrested, seven vehicles intercepted, six illegal pipeline connections discovered, and five motorcycles seized.
In Bayelsa, troops dismantled 15 illegal refining sites in Okordia Forest, Yenagoa Local Government Area (LGA), recovering over 755,000 litres of stolen crude oil and 53,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
A similar operation in Biseni Forest led to the seizure of 34,000 litres of crude oil and 5,500 litres of AGO from 12 refining sites.
In Rivers State, troops discovered an illegal connection on a 36-inch government pipeline in Kula I, Akuku-Toru LGA, and recovered a tarpaulin reservoir containing 100,000 litres of stolen crude. In Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, an abandoned truck loaded with 35,000 litres of stolen crude concealed with sawdust was intercepted.
Additional raids in Bakana and Buguma, Degema LGA, led to the confiscation of 27,000 litres of crude oil, three wooden boats, and one speedboat. Three suspects were arrested in connection with the operations.
In Delta State, troops uncovered a bunkering site in Ugo Community, Orhionwon LGA of Edo State, seizing a Toyota Sequoia Jeep and 200 sacks filled with over 40,000 litres of stolen crude.
In Warri South LGA, an active refining site was dismantled, and 2,000 litres of AGO were seized, along with the arrest of four suspects.
In Akwa Ibom, troops acting on intelligence intercepted over 5,580 litres of petroleum motor spirit at Enwang Bridge, Mbo LGA, intended for smuggling to a neighboring country.
The General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, commended the troops for their efforts and reaffirmed the military’s commitment to safeguarding critical national infrastructure.
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