Nigerian Army Dismantles 23 Illegal Refineries, Seizes Thousands of Litres of Stolen Petroleum

Babatunji Wusu –

• Anti-Bunkering Success: The Nigerian Army destroyed 23 illegal refineries and arrested 25 suspected operators across Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers states.
• Seizures: Troops confiscated 14 boats, 45,000 litres of adulterated petroleum products, and multiple vehicles and equipment used in illegal activities.
• Operation Dates: The operation took place between January 12 and January 19, targeting various illegal bunkering activities in the Niger Delta region.
• Arrests: Several suspects, including four linked to IPOB, were apprehended during the operation.

In a significant crackdown on illegal bunkering, troops from the Nigerian Army destroyed 23 artisanal refineries and apprehended 25 suspects in Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers states between January 12 and January 19. Lt.-Col. Danjuma Danjuma, spokesman for the Nigerian Army 6 Division in Port Harcourt, confirmed the operation’s success in a statement released on Monday.

The operation, which began in Rivers State, saw troops intercept a truck carrying over 15,000 litres of fake petroleum products. Additional raids in areas like Karakarma, Degema, and Imo Riverside led to the destruction of multiple illegal refining sites, the recovery of stolen petroleum products, and the seizure of various equipment, including boats, drums, and metallic containers.

A sting operation in Oshimili, Delta State, also led to the arrest of four suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) involved in illegal bunkering activities. Furthermore, intelligence-driven operations dismantled dugout pits filled with stolen products, and two vehicles were confiscated in Bayelsa.

The Nigerian Army has pledged to continue its efforts to combat illegal oil refining and other criminal activities in the region, emphasizing that all seized items were handled in accordance with operational mandates.