Troops seize 190,000 litres of stolen products from oil thieves

In a concerted effort to dismantle illegal oil refining networks in the Niger Delta Region (NDR), troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division, in collaboration with other security agencies, have seized 190,000 litres of stolen products from oil thieves.

Between December 30, 2024, and January 5, 2025, the joint forces, in escalated operations, destroyed 20 illegal refining sites, arrested 11 suspected oil thieves, and seized over 190,000 litres of stolen products.

Acting Deputy Director 6 Division Army Public Relations Lieut. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the significant seizures were made during targeted operations, including the discovery of four oil sewage sites filled with 70,000 litres of stolen crude near Oando wellhead in Benkrukru, Yenagoa LGA. Troops also recovered 700 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and a suction machine.

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Similar successes were recorded in Nembe and Southern Ijaw LGAs, where 17,500 litres of stolen products were confiscated.

In Rivers State, around Omoku, troops disrupted oil theft activities, leading to the recovery of four boats loaded with 22,000 litres of stolen products at an illegal connection point on the Oando pipeline.

In Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, over 8,000 litres were seized, along with equipment used for illegal refining.

The Imo River fringes saw the destruction of four illegal refining sites, with 31,000 litres of stolen products recovered.

Delta State operations led to the interception of vehicles carrying 10,000 litres of stolen crude near the Pan Ocean Nigeria Limited Pipeline, while in Akwa Ibom State, eight drums containing 2,240 litres of premium motor spirit were seized at Ibaka beach.

Major General Jamal Abdussalam, General Officer Commanding 6 Division, commended the troops for their resilience and urged them to intensify efforts to ensure a secure environment for socio-economic activities in the region.