In a major crackdown on oil theft and economic sabotage, the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has dismantled 20 illegal oil refining sites, seized 90,000 litres of stolen petroleum products, and arrested eight suspects across the Niger Delta region.
The operation, carried out between December 23 and 29, 2024, covered Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Delta States and was executed in collaboration with other security agencies.
The acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, disclosed the details in a statement on Sunday in Port Harcourt.
“Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in conjunction with other security agencies, have sustained the onslaught against economic saboteurs in the Niger Delta Region,” Danjuma stated.
The army’s efforts led to the recovery of, Over 90,000 litres of stolen petroleum products, 21 boats used for illegal activities, large quantities of crude oil, condensates, and refined petroleum products across multiple sites.
In Buguma, Rivers State, a major reservoir containing 37,000 litres of stolen condensates was uncovered, alongside the seizure of 9,000 litres of refined Dual Purpose Kerosene. Three suspects were arrested after troops repelled armed criminals during the operation.
In Krakrama, Degema LGA, the military intercepted two illegal refining sites and confiscated fibre boats, wooden boats, and over 2,000 litres of stolen crude oil.
Similar operations in Omoku, Etche, and the Imo River area led to the destruction of several refining sites, confiscation of locally made ovens, and recovery of over 10,000 litres of stolen products.
In Bayelsa, troops dismantled a refining site in Biseni Forest, Yenagoa LGA, and seized 8,000 litres of stolen products. An attempted pipeline vandalism at a Shell Petroleum Development Company flowline in Ekeremor LGA was also foiled.
In Akwa Ibom, security forces intercepted 11 drums of Premium Motor Spirit in Mbo LGA, with an additional 31 drums containing 8,680 litres uncovered. Preliminary investigations revealed the products were intended for smuggling.
In Delta, troops carried out multiple operations to curb oil theft and ensure a safer environment for oil exploration activities.
The General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Maj. Gen. Jamal Abdussalam, praised the troops for their vigilance and urged communities to support ongoing efforts by providing actionable intelligence.
