Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army have arrested 27 oil thieves, recovered arms and over 215,000 litres of stolen products in the ongoing clampdown against illegal oil bunkering in Niger Delta region.
In a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Sunday, he said the operations were conducted from October 21 to 27, 2024, adding that they were significant operations conducted across the Joint Operations Area (JOA) with other security agencies.
According to him, the operations conducted in Rivers State led to the deactivation of three artisanal refineries, arrest of several oil thieves and recovery of over 100,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), around Abesa in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area (LGA).
He stated: “In the operations conducted across the JOA, a total of 34 illegal refining sites, 19 boats, eight vehicles were destroyed, 27 suspected oil thieves were arrested as well as over 215,000 litres of stolen products confiscated among several items recovered.
“Around Bukuma general area in Degema LGA (Rivers State), one illegal refining site with a large dugout containing over 12,000 litres of stolen AGO was deactivated. In addition, a large wooden boat was intercepted with over 7,000 litres of stolen condensates. Also, at Bille general area in Degema LGA, two illegal refining sites, a wooden boat loaded with over 3,000 litres of stolen products were handled appropriately.
“The operations in Delta State led to the interception of two wooden boats stealing crude oil from a Wellhead located at Opumami Oil Field in Warri South LGA. Likewise, at Oghara trailer park, Ethiope West LGA, troops acting on credible intelligence swooped on 16 cellophane bags of crude oil estimated to be over 1,200 litres concealed inside a store in the park.
“In Bayelsa State, around Dodo North in Ekeremor LGA, troops deactivated one illegal refining site, one wooden boat with over 4,000 litres of stolen products recovered. Around Olukama in Nembe LGA, one illegal refining site, one wooden boat with over 2,500 litres of stolen products were intercepted. In Southern Ijaw, a wooden boat with over 2,000 litres of stolen crude was intercepted.
“Similarly, around Akumoni Okordia in Yenagoa LGA, troops observed an illegal connection point on Wellhead B, belonging to Agip. The crude oil pits around the area, which contained over 10,000 litres of stolen products purportedly siphoned from the Wellhead was also handled accordingly. Further exploitation by troops led to the discovery of five illegal refining sites within the area.
“Meanwhile in Akwa Ibom State, troops intercepted one Volkswagen vehicle with Reg No ENW 208 AI conveying 20 nylon bags of stolen products. Additionally, troops have continued to dominate the JOA to effectively deny the criminal elements freedom of action.”
However, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, while appreciating troops for their resilience, charged them to continue to dominate the JOA.
He urged them to ensure a conducive environment is created for socio-economic activities to thrive in the region.
