Army destroys 20 illegal refineries, confiscates 90,000 litres of stolen oil
The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has announced the destruction of 20 illegal oil refining sites, the recovery of 90,000 litres of stolen products, and the arrest of eight suspects in the Niger Delta.
The Army stated that these actions were carried out during a raid conducted in collaboration with other security agencies across Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Delta States.
Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, the Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, shared the update in a statement issued on Sunday in Port Harcourt. He explained that the raid took place from December 23 to 29, 2024, across the four states.
The statement noted: “Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in coordination with other security agencies, have intensified their efforts against economic saboteurs in the Niger Delta region. This operation led to the dismantling of 20 illegal refining sites, the arrest of eight suspected oil thieves, and the destruction of 21 boats used for criminal activities. In addition, over 90,000 litres of stolen products were recovered during ongoing anti-bunkering operations.”
Based on intelligence about illegal activities near Buguma in Asari-Toru Local Government Area, troops responded swiftly, uncovering a large tarpaulin storage reservoir and a wooden boat with over 37,000 litres of stolen condensates.
The statement further read: “At the Ogajiama area of Buguma/Bakana, Asari-Toru LGA, troops engaged in a gunfight with criminal elements who fled due to superior firepower. An illegal refining site, a large pot, and a receiver containing 9,000 litres of illegally refined dual-purpose kerosene were dismantled. Additionally, three locally made boats attempting to load crude from an abandoned wellhead were intercepted, and three suspected oil thieves were arrested.”
Further operations in the Krakrama Community, Degema LGA, led to the interception of two illegal refining sites, four fibre boats, three wooden boats, and approximately 2,000 litres of stolen crude. In Gbede, Omoku, one illegal refining site, 27 locally made ovens, and 31 sacks containing over 2,000 litres of stolen products were confiscated.
Additional operations in Odagwa-Imo Riverside, Etche LGA, resulted in the discovery of one illegal refining site, two drum pots, a wooden boat, and over 3,500 litres of stolen products. In the Imo River region, seven illegal refining sites, six boats, 122 drum pots, 49 drum receivers, and over 10,000 litres of stolen products were recovered.
In Bayelsa State, at Biseni Forest, Yenagoa LGA, one illegal refining site was dismantled, and around 8,000 litres of stolen products were seized. Troops also uncovered an attempt to vandalize an inactive Shell Petroleum Development Company flowline at Well 20, Opukushi, Ekeremor LGA.
In Akwa Ibom, troops intercepted 11 drums containing 3,080 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at Enwang II, Mbo LGA. A follow-up operation led to the discovery of 31 additional drums of PMS, totaling 8,680 litres, at Dazele Filling Station, Ibaka. Preliminary investigations indicated the products were intended for smuggling to a neighboring country.
Lt. Col. Danjuma also highlighted that both kinetic and non-kinetic operations were conducted in Delta State to deny criminal elements the freedom to operate in the area.
Major General Jamal Abdussalam, the General Officer Commanding the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, commended the troops for their vigilance and urged continued efforts in maintaining security to support exploration activities in the region. He also called on the public to provide actionable intelligence on the activities of economic saboteurs.
