Babatunji Wusu –
The Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, has intensified its efforts to combat illegal oil bunkering in the Niger Delta region. The latest phase of operations, which took place between November 11 and 17, 2024, led to significant successes in several states, including Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Akwa Ibom, and Abia.
According to a statement from the acting deputy director of Army Public Relations, 6 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah, troops recovered large quantities of stolen oil, dismantled illegal refining sites, and made multiple arrests. In total, over 95,000 liters of stolen products were recovered, and 28 suspected oil thieves were apprehended.
Key Operations and Achievements:
- Rivers State: Following credible intelligence, troops engaged armed vandals along the Oando pipeline in Ebocha, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local government area, leading to a firefight. The fleeing criminals abandoned an AK-47 rifle and 17 rounds of ammunition. Further operations in the Obiafu-Ndoni area led to the interception of large boats carrying over 28,000 liters of stolen crude oil and the arrest of seven suspects. Additionally, several illegal refining sites were dismantled, and over 9,500 liters of stolen products were seized.
- Degema LGA, Rivers State: Operations in Tuma and Krakrama areas led to the destruction of numerous boats and the confiscation of over 10,500 liters of stolen automotive gas oil (AGO). In Bille, over 2,500 liters of stolen products were recovered from a hidden boat.
- Bayelsa State: Troops deactivated two illegal refining sites and seized over 6,000 liters of stolen products in Ekeremor LGA. Operations in Nembe LGA destroyed additional illegal sites, with over 3,000 liters of stolen oil recovered. In Ogbia LGA, a boat loaded with over 3,500 liters of AGO was intercepted, and more than 600 vandalized pipes from Shell Petroleum were recovered.
- Delta State: In Isoko South LGA, troops intercepted a vehicle loaded with 28 bags of stolen AGO. The driver fled upon seeing the security forces. Additional operations in Ughelli North LGA uncovered a pipeline breach, reportedly caused by local hoodlums.
- Akwa Ibom State: In Ikot Abasi LGA, troops intercepted several vehicles carrying over 2,160 liters of stolen AGO. Five suspects were arrested, and the stolen products were seized for further investigation.
Significance of the Operation: Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma emphasized that the operations were part of a broader strategy aimed at crippling the criminal cartels involved in oil theft and illegal refining. He stated that these efforts would continue to target the criminal networks that contribute to economic sabotage in the region.
Summary of Seized Items and Arrests:
- Over 95,000 liters of stolen products recovered.
- 46 illegal refining sites deactivated.
- 47 boats used for transporting stolen oil confiscated.
- 28 oil thieves arrested.
- Several illegal operations dismantled in Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom.
The ongoing anti-illegal oil bunkering operations highlight the Nigerian Army’s commitment to tackling the widespread issue of oil theft, which continues to harm the nation’s economy. These operations are critical to curbing the illegal activities that have plagued the Niger Delta region and to maintaining the integrity of Nigeria’s oil sector.
