Babatunji Wusu –
In a concerted effort to combat oil theft and illegal refining in the Niger Delta, the 6th Division of the Nigerian Army announced significant achievements over the past week. From October 28 to November 3, the army, in collaboration with other security agencies, arrested 24 oil thieves, deactivated 29 illegal refining sites, and destroyed 14 boats involved in these activities. Additionally, they seized approximately 700,000 liters of stolen oil.
Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, reported a major operation in Rivers State, where troops intercepted a large wooden boat carrying over 150,000 liters of stolen crude oil in the Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, leading to the arrest of six suspects. In a separate operation at the same location, another wooden boat containing more than 50,000 liters of crude was seized, alongside three deactivated illegal refining sites where over 20,000 liters of stolen automotive gas oil (AGO) were recovered.
The army’s crackdown extended to multiple locations, including Kay and Abesa areas in Akuku-Toru, where 10 illegal refining sites were dismantled, resulting in the confiscation of over 400,000 liters of illegally refined AGO. Furthermore, troops acted on intelligence reports to intercept two tanker trucks at the Rukpoku pipeline, each capable of carrying 15,000 liters of stolen products.
Operations were also conducted in Bayelsa State, where troops deactivated two illegal refining sites along Boma Creek and intercepted wooden boats carrying over 2,500 liters of stolen crude oil. In Southern Ijaw, additional illegal sites were destroyed, with significant quantities of stolen products recovered.
In Akwa Ibom State, the army intercepted two vehicles loaded with illegally refined AGO, resulting in two arrests. Delta State operations led to the discovery of stolen iron pipes and a makeshift storage dump containing over 40 jerricans of stolen oil.
The General Officer Commanding the 6th Division, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, praised the troops for their efforts and urged continued vigilance in eradicating criminal activities in the region. He also encouraged community leaders to take an active role in the fight against illegal oil bunkering. All arrested individuals have been handed over to relevant authorities for prosecution, and the confiscated products have been appropriately managed in line with operational mandates.
