In an intensified effort to combat illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta, troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, have dismantled 42 illegal refining sites, and apprehended 29 suspected oil thieves.
Also seized were 197,000 litres of stolen petroleum products during an 11-day operation from December 9 to December 15, 2024.
This was disclosed in a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 6 Division. “The troops have shown unwavering commitment to restoring order and addressing economic sabotage in the region,” Danjuma said.
The operation also led to the destruction of 32 boats, 12 vehicles, and eight motorcycles used for illegal activities. In Bayelsa State, troops dismantled newly established refining sites in Biseni forest, Yenagoa Local Government Area, recovering 37,000 litres of stolen crude. A similar success was recorded in Okordia forest, where 29,900 litres of crude and 2,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) were confiscated.
In Nembe Local Government Area, an illegal refining site at Olukama was neutralized, and a wooden boat carrying over 5,000 litres of stolen crude was recovered. Additional operations in Southern Ijaw and Akuku-Toru Local Government Areas uncovered similar activities, with over 30,000 litres of stolen crude seized in Kula and 4,000 litres retrieved in Bille.
The troops also targeted sites in Rivers State along the Imo River, dismantling 13 refining sites and recovering 28,500 litres of stolen products, along with numerous processing materials.
In Delta State, an active illegal refining site was uncovered in Aronwon Community, Warri North, along with 5,000 litres of illegally refined AGO. Three tanker trucks carrying suspected illicit products were also intercepted in Uvwie Local Government Area, leading to the arrest of five suspects.
Major General Jamal Abdussalam, General Officer Commanding the 6 Division, praised the troops for their relentless efforts. “This operation underscores the Army’s commitment to safeguarding national assets and ensuring economic stability,” he stated, reaffirming the military’s resolve to eradicate illegal bunkering in the region.
