Army Destroys 20 Illegal Refineries And Seizes 90,000 Litres Of Stolen Oil

The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has reported a significant operation targeting illegal oil activities in the Niger Delta. This operation resulted in the destruction of 20 illicit refining sites, the recovery of 90,000 litres of stolen petroleum products, and the apprehension of eight suspects. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

The joint operation, conducted alongside other security agencies, spanned Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Delta States between December 23 and December 29, 2024. Acting Deputy Director of the 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, issued a statement on Sunday from Port Harcourt detailing the mission’s outcomes.

Key Achievements of the Operation

The statement emphasized the Army’s commitment to combating economic sabotage in the Niger Delta, stating:

“Troops of the 6 Division, in collaboration with other security agencies, have intensified their efforts to disrupt illegal oil operations. This has led to the dismantling of 20 illegal refining sites, the arrest of eight suspected oil thieves, and the destruction of 21 boats used in criminal activities. Additionally, more than 90,000 litres of stolen products were recovered during these anti-bunkering operations.”

One of the major operations, based on actionable intelligence, took place in the Buguma area of Asari-Toru Local Government Area. Troops discovered a large tarpaulin reservoir and a wooden boat containing 37,000 litres of stolen condensates.

At Ogajiama in Buguma/Bakana, the troops encountered resistance from armed individuals but overcame them with superior firepower. They dismantled an illegal refinery site and seized equipment, including a large pot and a receiver containing 9,000 litres of refined kerosene. Three locally made boats loading crude oil from an abandoned wellhead were intercepted, leading to the arrest of three suspects.

Operations in Other Locations

In Krakrama Community, Degema LGA, two illegal refinery sites were discovered, along with four fibre boats, three wooden boats, and 2,000 litres of stolen crude oil.

In Gbede, Omoku, troops dismantled one refinery site and confiscated 27 locally made ovens and 31 sacks filled with over 2,000 litres of stolen products.

At Odagwa-Imo Riverside in Etche LGA, the Army discovered one illegal refining site, two drum pots, a wooden boat, and over 3,500 litres of stolen products.

In the Imo River region, seven illegal refineries were identified. Equipment seized included six boats, 122 drum pots, and 49 drum receivers, with more than 10,000 litres of stolen oil products recovered.

Additional Operations in Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom

In Bayelsa State’s Biseni Forest, Yenagoa LGA, troops dismantled an illegal refinery and recovered 8,000 litres of stolen products. A separate operation foiled an attempt to vandalize a Shell Petroleum flowline at Well 20 in Ekeremor LGA.

In Akwa Ibom, the operation led to the interception of 11 drums containing 3,080 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in Mbo LGA. A follow-up investigation uncovered 31 more drums of PMS, totaling 8,680 litres, at Dazele Filling Station in Ibaka, suspected to be destined for smuggling.

Delta State Efforts

In Delta State, the Army executed both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to curb illegal activities and deny criminal groups freedom of operation.

Commendation and Public Involvement

Major General Jamal Abdussalam, the General Officer Commanding the 6 Division, lauded the troops for their dedication and success in the operation. He urged them to maintain vigilance and called on the public to provide reliable intelligence to help combat economic sabotage and ensure the security of the region’s oil exploration activities.