Nigerian Army Dismantles 34 Illegal Refineries, Seizes Over 80,000 Litres of Stolen Oil in Niger Delta Operation
Port Harcourt, Nigeria — The 6th Division of the Nigerian Army has reported the successful dismantling of 34 illegal oil refining sites while apprehending 11 suspected oil thieves in a series of operations conducted in the Niger Delta region. These efforts resulted in the seizure of more than 80,650 litres of stolen petroleum products, following collaborative missions with other agencies conducted between November 18 and 24, 2024, across Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, and Akwa Ibom states.
In a statement released on Sunday, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, detailed significant accomplishments in Rivers State. The operations in Buguma Creeks, within the Asari-Toru Local Government Area, led to the dismantling of over eight illegal refining sites, with dugout pits containing over 25,000 litres of stolen products secured.
Additionally, a loading point used by criminals was discovered in the Iyalama/Bakana area, alongside various cooking pots, two wooden boats, and over 8,000 litres of confiscated stolen products. Troops also intercepted a wooden vessel containing more than 6,000 litres of condensate in the same vicinity. In another operation near Ogaji-Ama in the Buguma South East River, two wooden boats loaded with over 3,000 litres of stolen crude were seized.
In further developments, operations around the Asaramatoro Creek in Bonny Local Government Area in the Niger Delta revealed an illegal refining site with over 10,000 litres of stolen crude stored in a local reservoir. Along Idu Ekpeye in Ahoada West Local Government Area, troops intercepted a wooden boat containing over 2,000 litres of stolen oil, while over 3,000 litres concealed in sacks were recovered at the Obiafu area in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area in the Niger Delta.
In a separate confrontation in Oboburu, troops encountered an armed vandal who opened fire but was neutralised, resulting in the recovery of a pump-action gun and five cartridges. In the Ke Community of Degema Local Government Area, a large wooden boat hidden in a creek, suspected to have been used by oil thieves, was intercepted, leading to the confiscation of a fibre boat loaded with over 1,500 litres of stolen products. Further clearance operations in Imo River, particularly around Oyigbo, Asa, and Ukwa areas, yielded substantial successes, including the dismantling of over 20 illegal refining sites and the recovery of over 15,000 litres of stolen products.
Bayelsa State also witnessed successful operations; at Clough Creek in Ekeremor Local Government Area, a hidden wooden boat containing over 2,500 litres of stolen products was intercepted. In the Sangakubu area of Nembe Local Government Area, an illegal refining site was dismantled, resulting in the recovery of over 1,500 litres of stolen oil. Efforts extended to Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, where illegal refining sites were identified, alongside a wooden boat which was appropriately dealt with.
In Delta State, during a routine patrol in Ekpan, Uvwie Local Government Area, troops discovered over 2,500 litres of stolen oil stored within the premises of Lamiel Hotel and Suites. Meanwhile, operations in Edo State led to the interception of two vehicles filled with stolen products at Abe Community in Orhiomwon Local Government Area. Akwa Ibom State troops are maintaining a strong presence in both land and waterways to curb criminal activities.
The summary of achievements reported during these operations includes the dismantling of 34 illegal refining sites, the arrest of 11 suspected oil thieves, the deactivation of 19 boats, and the recovery of over 80,650 litres of stolen products. Additionally, troops deactivated 180 cooking drums, 29 metal container receivers, and several vehicles and motorcycles. The arrested individuals have been processed and handed over to relevant authorities, while the stolen products have been appropriately handled.
Major General Jamal Abdussalam, General Officer Commanding the 6th Division, praised the troops for their perseverance and committed to continuing operations aimed at bolstering oil and gas production. Abdussalam emphasized that the Division remains steadfast in its efforts to combat criminal elements and economic sabotage within the region.
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