Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, have reinforced their offensive against economic sabotage in the Niger Delta.
According to Acting Deputy Director 6 Division Army Public Relations Lieut. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the intensified clearance operations, conducted between November 18 and 24, 2024, targeted oil thieves and illegal refining activities across the region, yielding significant results.
In Buguma Creeks, Asari-Toru Local Government Area (LGA), troops deactivated eight illegal refining sites.
Dugout pits containing over 25,000 litres of stolen crude products were neutralized. At Iyalama/Bakana, security forces dismantled a wellhead used as a loading point by criminals and confiscated cooking pots, receivers, and four wooden boats laden with over 8,000 litres of stolen products.
A separate interception in the same area uncovered a boat carrying over 6,000 litres of condensate.
In Ogaji-Ama, two wooden boats loaded with over 3,000 litres of crude oil were seized, further disrupting them operations of oil thieves.
Around Ke Community in Degema LGA, a concealed large wooden boat was intercepted, while additional patrols in the area uncovered a fibre boat carrying 1,500 litres of stolen products.
Troops also conducted operations along the Imo River and its environs, dismantling over 20 illegal refining sites. Equipment such as 169 cooking drums and 29 metal container receivers were destroyed, while more than 15,000 litres of stolen products were recovered.
In Bayelsa State, troops achieved significant breakthroughs in several areas. At Clough Creek in Ekeremor LGA, a hidden wooden boat carrying 2,500 litres of stolen products was intercepted. Similarly, an illegal refining site in Sangakubu, Nembe LGA, was dismantled, leading to the recovery of over 1,500 litres of stolen crude.
Additional operations in Southern Ijaw LGA, along Tebidaba Creek, uncovered more illegal refining sites, along with a wooden boat carrying unquantified stolen products.
In Delta State, routine patrols in Uvwie LGA led to the discovery of 2,500 litres of stolen products stored in a tank within the premises of Lamiel Hotel and Suites.
Further operations in Abe Community, Orhiomwon LGA, Edo State, resulted in the interception of two vehicles transporting stolen crude products.
Across the region, the week-long operations dismantled 34 illegal refining sites and confiscated over 80,650 litres of stolen crude products. Equipment deactivated included 180 cooking drums, 29 metal container receivers, and 19 boats.
Eleven suspects were arrested, profiled, and handed over to the appropriate authorities. The recovered products were also appropriately handled, ensuring environmental safety.
Major General Jamal Abdussalam, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 6 Division, praised the troops for their resilience and dedication.
He emphasized the Army’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding national assets and thwarting the activities of criminal elements in the Niger Delta.
“Our operations are targeted at ensuring the safety of vital oil and gas infrastructure, which is crucial for the nation’s economy,” Abdussalam stated.
“We will sustain these efforts to completely neutralize economic sabotage and enhance legitimate production in the region.”
The GOC urged the public to support the military’s efforts by providing timely and actionable intelligence to aid ongoing operations.
As the Nigerian Army continues its operations to secure the Niger Delta, authorities have reiterated the importance of collective responsibility. Stakeholders, including local communities, are encouraged to collaborate with security forces to address the menace of oil theft, which has long undermined national revenue and environmental sustainability.
These efforts underscore the Nigerian Army’s commitment to maintaining regional stability while safeguarding the nation’s economic lifelines
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