Nigerian Army Destroys 18 Illegal Refineries, Arrests 17 Suspects in Oil Theft Crackdown
By SpringsNewsNG Media Limited, February 24, 2205
The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has reported the successful destruction of 18 illegal refining sites, the dismantling of 10 boats used for illicit oil activities, and the arrest of 17 suspects in the Niger Delta region.
During targeted raids across Rivers, Bayelsa, and Delta states, the Army also recovered approximately 25,000 litres of stolen petroleum products. Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, disclosed this in a statement released in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Sunday.
Danjuma emphasized that the operations were carried out in collaboration with other security agencies to maintain control over the region and deny criminal elements the freedom to operate.
In the Ogaji-Ama axis of Bukuma, troops intercepted a wooden boat carrying over 1,000 litres of stolen crude oil. Similarly, in Imo River, two illegal refining sites were destroyed, along with 23 drum pots and 14 drum receivers, while over 2,000 litres of stolen crude were confiscated.
In Bayelsa State, operations at Clough Creek in Ekeremor Local Government Area (LGA) led to the dismantling of three illegal refining sites, the seizure of one pumping machine, and the recovery of over 3,500 litres of stolen crude. Additionally, two wooden boats were immobilized. A similar operation at Biseni in Yenagoa LGA resulted in the deactivation of another illegal refining site and the recovery of over 2,000 litres of stolen crude.
In Delta State, troops intercepted a Toyota Camry with registration number Anambra JJT 876 AE, which was transporting 16 cellophane bags filled with an unspecified quantity of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) at Oton Village in Sapele LGA. In a follow-up operation, six suspected oil thieves were arrested. Additionally, along the Ughelli–Patani expressway, a tricycle loaded with multiple sacks of illegally refined products was seized by security forces.
The General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Emekah, praised the troops for their dedication and urged them to sustain the operational momentum to prevent economic sabotage in the region.
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