Nigerian Army Dismantles 20 Illegal Refining Sites, Seizes 190,000 Litres of Stolen Crude

• Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, dismantled 20 illegal refining sites in the Niger Delta region.
• Over 190,000 litres of stolen crude were confiscated, alongside 31 boats used for transporting stolen products.
• The operations, which took place from December 30, 2024, to January 5, 2025, resulted in the arrest of 11 suspected oil thieves.
• The military continues its efforts to combat oil theft, with support from other security agencies in the region.

Troops from the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army have successfully dismantled 20 illegal refining sites in the Niger Delta, seizing over 190,000 litres of stolen crude in a series of operations conducted between December 30, 2024, and January 5, 2025. This operation, aimed at combating the illegal oil trade, follows a similar operation just a week earlier where 20 illegal sites were destroyed and 90 litres of stolen crude were confiscated.

The acting deputy director of the Army’s Public Relations, Lt. Colonel Danjuma Jonah, reported that 11 suspected oil thieves were arrested, and 31 boats used for transporting stolen products were destroyed. Several regions within the Niger Delta saw intense activity, with troops focusing on various local government areas.

Key successes from the operation included the discovery of large quantities of stolen crude at several locations, including 70,000 litres recovered from oil sewage at Benkrukru in Yenagoa and 15,000 litres from Amalaghakiri in Nembe. Other illicit activities were uncovered across Rivers and Delta States, where stolen crude was found in vehicles and drums.

Major General Jamal Abdussalam, the General Officer Commanding the 6 Division, commended the troops for their continued efforts and resilience. He urged them to maintain their focus, emphasizing the importance of ensuring a secure and conducive environment for socio-economic activities in the region.