The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has successfully dismantled 34 illegal refining sites, apprehended 11 suspected oil thieves, and recovered over 80,650 litres of stolen crude oil and refined petroleum products in a series of clearance operations across the Niger Delta region.

These operations, conducted between November 18 and 24, 2024, spanned Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, and Akwa Ibom states.

In a statement issued on Sunday, November 24, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 6 Division, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, highlighted the outcomes of the operations.

He noted significant achievements in Rivers State, saying “Troops deactivated eight illegal refining sites in the Buguma Creeks area of Asari-Toru Local Government Area, recovering over 25,000 litres of stolen products. At Iyalama/Bakana, they discovered a wellhead used as a loading point, several cooking pots, receivers, and four wooden boats, confiscating over 8,000 litres of stolen products.”

He further disclosed that near Ogaji-Ama in Buguma South-East, Rivers State, troops intercepted two wooden boats loaded with approximately 3,000 liters of stolen crude oil.

In a separate operation in Bonny Local Government Area, the army dismantled an illegal refining site containing 10,000 liters of stolen crude stored in a makeshift reservoir.

In Ahoada West Local Government Area, Lt. Col. Danjuma revealed that troops intercepted a wooden boat transporting 2,000 liters of stolen products. In a related encounter in ONELGA, soldiers neutralized an armed vandal who fired upon them, recovering a pump-action gun and five cartridges at the scene.

In Degema Local Government Area’s Ke Community, troops seized a large wooden boat suspected of being used for oil theft, alongside a fiber boat carrying 1,500 liters of stolen crude oil.

Highlighting operations in Bayelsa State, Danjuma reported that troops intercepted a wooden boat loaded with 2,500 liters of stolen crude at Clough Creek in Ekeremor Local Government Area. Additionally, in Nembe Local Government Area near Sangakubu, an illegal refining site was dismantled, and 1,500 liters of stolen products were confiscated.

In Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Danjuma stated that troops discovered illegal refining sites and seized a wooden boat containing an unspecified quantity of stolen products, which were promptly handled in line with established protocols.

In Delta State, he noted that troops intercepted over 2,500 liters of stolen crude oil stored at a hotel in Uvwie Local Government Area during their operations.

In Edo State, operations in Abe Community, located in Orhiomwon Local Government Area, resulted in the interception of two vehicles loaded with stolen petroleum products.

In Akwa Ibom State, Lt. Col. Danjuma stated that the Army intensified its operations to dominate both land and waterways, maintaining relentless pressure on criminal activities in the region.

In summarizing the outcomes of the operations, Danjuma stated, “In total, 34 illegal refining sites were dismantled, 11 suspects arrested, and 80,650 litres of stolen products recovered. Other seizures included 180 cooking drums, 29 metal container receivers, several vehicles, and motorcycles. All arrested suspects were handed over to the relevant authorities, while the recovered products were appropriately disposed of.”

Praising the troops, the General Officer Commanding of the 6 Division, Maj. Gen. Jamal Abdussalam, stated, “Their efforts have been remarkable in ensuring the security of our oil and gas resources. We will continue to sustain these operations to achieve increased production and curb criminal activities in the region.”