Troops arrest 46 suspects,destroy 23 illegal refineries in the Niger Delta.
In a continuing crackdown on oil theft and pipeline vandalism, Nigerian Army troopers, working in collaboration with other security agencies, have arrested 46 suspected oil thieves, deactivated 23 illegal refinery sites, and recovered over 30,000 litres of stolen crude and refined products across the Niger Delta.
Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Division, announced the actions as part of ongoing efforts to prevent criminals from operating freely in the region.
In Rivers State, six illegal refining plants were discovered near Kilometre 45 in Degema LGA, yielding nearly 5,000 litres of stolen crude oil. Troops demolished another illegal refining station at Kula 1 in Akuku-Toru LGA, seizing four ovens and four drums carrying over 2,500 litres of stolen Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). Four people were arrested.
According to the statement, clearance operations along the Imo River, which included Obuzor and Okoloma in Ukwa West and Oyigbo LGAs (Abia and Rivers States), resulted in the destruction of six additional sites and the recovery of 2,000 litres of crude oil, as well as numerous drum pots, receivers, and sacks used in refining.
“This operation is part of our sustained pressure on criminal elements, aimed at denying them the freedom of action within the Niger Delta region,” Lieutenant Col. Danjuma stated.
He said: “The troops acted in synergy with other security agencies to achieve these results, and we remain committed to eradicating oil theft and environmental degradation caused by illegal refining.”
Regarding the significance of the arrests and seizures, he stated, “These arrests and seizures reflect our resolve to stop economic sabotage and ensure the safety and integrity of oil facilities.”
In Bayelsa State, troops attacked illicit operations in Biseni and Adibawa (Yenagoa LGA), destroying huge processing equipment and seizing more than 6,000 litres of stolen petroleum. Two suspects were apprehended in Otueke, Ogbia LGA, carrying locally made firearms and 9mm ammo.
Meanwhile, Akwa Ibom’s warehouse in Ukanafun LGA was seized, revealing 131 nylon bags containing more over 3,930 litres of stolen goods. Troops intercepted more than 300 litres of illegally refined AGO in Ebughu, Mbo LGA.
In Delta State, 150 bags of stolen crude oil were recovered in a tanker park in Kwale, Ndokwa East LGA, while a vacuum truck carrying petroleum was intercepted at Oleh, Isoko North LGA. The driver fled before being arrested.
The Nigerian Army says operations would continue until oil theft, sabotage, and environmental damage caused by illegal refining are under control.