IN a continued crackdown on oil theft and pipeline vandalism, troops of the Nigerian Army, working in synergy with other security agencies, have arrested 46 suspected oil thieves, deactivated 23 illegal refining sites, and recovered over 30,000 litres of stolen crude and refined products across the Niger Delta region.
The operations were disclosed in a statement signed by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, who described the effort as part of sustained pressure to deny criminal elements freedom of action in the region.
In Rivers State, six illegal refining sites were uncovered around Kilometer 45 in Degema LGA, yielding over 5,000 litres of stolen crude oil. At Kula 1 in Akuku-Toru LGA, troops dismantled another illegal refining camp with four ovens and four drums containing over 2,500 litres of stolen Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). Four suspects were arrested.
According to the statement, clearance operations along the Imo River covering Obuzor and Okoloma in Ukwa West and Oyigbo LGAs (Abia and Rivers States) led to the destruction of six more sites and the recovery of 2,000 litres of crude oil, along with numerous drum pots, receivers, and sacks used in refining.
“This operation is part of our sustained pressure on criminal elements, aimed at denying them the freedom of action within the Niger Delta region,” said Lt. Col. Danjuma.
He added, “The troops acted in synergy with other security agencies to achieve these results, and we remain committed to eradicating oil theft and environmental degradation caused by illegal refining.”
On the significance of the arrests and seizures, he emphasized, “These arrests and seizures reflect our resolve to stop economic sabotage and ensure the safety and integrity of oil facilities.”
In Bayelsa State, troops raided illegal sites in Biseni and Adibawa (Yenagoa LGA), destroying large refining equipment and recovering over 6,000 litres of stolen crude. At Otueke in Ogbia LGA, two suspects were caught with locally fabricated pistols and 9mm ammunition.
Meanwhile, Akwa Ibom, a warehouse in Ukanafun LGA, was raided, yielding 131 nylon bags filled with over 3,930 litres of stolen products. At Ebughu in Mbo LGA, troops intercepted over 300 litres of illegally refined AGO.
In Delta State, 150 sacks of stolen crude oil were discovered at a tanker park in Kwale, Ndokwa East LGA, while a vacuum truck loaded with crude was intercepted at Oleh in Isoko North LGA. The driver fled before arrest.
The Nigerian Army says operations will continue until oil theft, sabotage, and the environmental damage associated with illegal refining are brought under control.
