In a significant operation to combat oil theft and illegal bunkering, troops of the Nigerian Army have apprehended 15 individuals and dismantled 32 artisanal refineries across the Niger Delta region. The crackdown, which spanned Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers states, represents a bold step in curbing economic sabotage in the oil-rich region.
Lt.-Col. Danjuma Danjuma, the Spokesman for the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division in Port Harcourt, disclosed these developments in a statement on Monday. Between January 6 and 12, troops seized approximately 60,000 liters of petroleum products, 14 boats, and other equipment used in illegal oil refining. These operations are part of a broader collaboration with other security agencies aimed at tackling the scourge of oil theft.
In Rivers State, the soldiers targeted several hotspots for illegal activities. They raided Bille in Degema Local Government Area, where seven illegal refining sites were dismantled. In this raid alone, they confiscated 20,000 liters of crude oil and destroyed two boats. At Imo River, they deactivated ten refining sites, recovered 19,000 liters of stolen petroleum products, and destroyed numerous crude oil cooking pots and receivers.
In Odagwa, Etche, the troops intercepted three boats carrying 12,000 liters of stolen crude oil and arrested three suspects. Similar successes were recorded in Abiama, Asa, Obuzor, Okoloma, Ozaa, Ukwa, and Oyigbo, where further operations disrupted illegal refining activities.
The crackdown extended to Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, where soldiers confiscated 1,600 liters of crude oil and 1,200 liters of adulterated diesel in Nkisa. On Ndoni Road, a Toyota van transporting 1,200 liters of stolen condensate was intercepted.
In Asari-Toru Local Government Area, Buguma, troops dismantled two illegal refineries, seized 1,500 liters of crude oil, and apprehended five suspects. The operations also covered Baberegbene in Southern Ijaw, Bayelsa, where soldiers intercepted a wooden boat carrying 1,500 liters of stolen crude oil and dismantled an artisanal refinery.
In Nembe, Bayelsa, troops deactivated an illegal refining site holding an unquantified amount of stolen petroleum products in the Emago-Kugbo and Oluasiri communities.
The army’s efforts extended to Akwa Ibom and Delta States, where troops maintained a firm presence, effectively denying oil thieves the opportunity to operate.
These coordinated actions represent a determined effort to stem the tide of oil theft, a practice that not only robs the nation of vital revenue but also causes extensive environmental damage to the Niger Delta region. The Nigerian Army remains committed to working with other security agencies to ensure that economic saboteurs are brought to justice and that peace is restored in affected communities.
