In a significant blow to oil thieves in the Niger Delta region, troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, have arrested several suspects and recovered large quantities of stolen products in a week-long operation that ended on October 27, 2024. The operation, conducted in collaboration with other security agencies, targeted illegal oil bunkering sites across Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom states.
In Rivers State, troops achieved remarkable successes, deactivating three artisanal refineries and arresting several oil thieves. Over 100,000 liters of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) were recovered in Abesa, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area. Additionally, troops intercepted a large wooden boat loaded with over 7,000 liters of stolen condensates around Bukuma general area in Degema LGA. Two illegal refining sites and a wooden boat loaded with over 3,000 liters of stolen products were also handled appropriately in Bille general area, Degema LGA.
In Delta State, troops intercepted two wooden boats stealing crude oil from a Wellhead at Opumami Oil Field in Warri South LGA. At Oghara trailer park, Ethiope West LGA, troops acting on credible intelligence swooped on 16 cellophane bags of crude oil estimated to be over 1,200 liters concealed inside a store. Two suspected oil thieves were arrested, believed to be responsible for the consistent vandalization of Oando pipeline at Abalagada in Ndokwa West LGA.
In Bayelsa State, troops deactivated one illegal refining site and recovered a wooden boat with over 4,000 liters of stolen products in Dodo North, Ekeremor LGA. Another illegal refining site and wooden boat with over 2,500 liters of stolen products were intercepted around Olukama in Nembe LGA. A wooden boat with over 2,000 liters of stolen crude was also intercepted in Southern Ijaw.
In Akwa Ibom State, troops intercepted a Volkswagen vehicle conveying 20 nylon bags of stolen products. The relentless efforts of the troops have continued to dominate the Joint Operations Area, effectively denying criminal elements freedom of action.
The operation’s overall successes include the destruction of 34 illegal refining sites, 19 boats, and eight vehicles, as well as the arrest of 27 suspected oil thieves. Over 215,000 liters of stolen products were recovered among several other items.
Major General Jamal Abdussalam, General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, commended the troops for their resilience and urged them to maintain dominance in the Joint Operations Area. This, he emphasized, would ensure a conducive environment for socio-economic activities to thrive in the region. These operations demonstrate the Nigerian Army’s commitment to combating oil theft and protecting the country’s natural resources.
