The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has made significant strides in combating illegal crude oil refining activities in the Niger Delta region, reporting the destruction of at least 15 illegal refining sites and the arrest of 10 suspects. The military operations took place in states such as Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom, where the troops’ efforts have resulted in the recovery of approximately 115,000 liters of stolen crude. Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, the acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the division, shared these details in a statement issued from Port Harcourt, praising the ongoing anti-illegal bunkering actions that have garnered substantial success.
The actions taken by the 6 Division included a concerted effort to dismantle illicit operations related to oil theft and refining. Troops systematically identified and deactivated multiple illegal sites, dismantling cooking pots and intercepting a variety of vehicles and boats used in the illicit trade. The operations not only recovered stolen crude oil but also other items indicative of economic sabotage, showcasing the extensive nature of the illegal activities in the region. Danjuma highlighted these achievements as a testament to the Army’s commitment to restoring order and curbing illegal activities that harm the nation’s economy.
In Rivers State, the Army conducted successful operations following tips about specific locations associated with oil theft. Troops intercepted a truck loaded with approximately 40,000 liters of stolen crude and dismantled three illegal refining sites in Okrika Local Government Area. In Degema Local Government Area, they took down additional illegal sites and confiscated products from wooden boats. The Army’s systematic approach involved not only targeting refining sites but also looking out for logistical operations that facilitate oil theft, thereby striking at the heart of the networks involved.
The operations extended across various localities, revealing a stark picture of the rampant illegal refining activities throughout the region. For instance, in the Imo Riverside area, soldiers destroyed illegal camps and refining structures, seizing a large quantity of stolen crude. In other notable actions at locations such as Freedom Kula and Ebocha, the Army continued its vigilance against pipeline vandalism, resulting in further arrests and confiscations. The meticulous nature of these operations indicates a comprehensive strategy aimed at dismantling the entire supply chain involved in oil theft within the Niger Delta.
In Bayelsa State, operations concentrated around the Sabasuo area, leading to the deactivation of illegal refining sites and the recovery of over 2,800 liters of stolen oil products. Troops continued to address issues in the Southern Ijaw region and intercepted boats carrying stolen products, showcasing the Army’s ability to apply pressure across various fronts against economic sabotage. The persistent efforts in Bayelsa were echoed similarly in Delta State, where authorities intercepted crude siphoning activities from established oil pipelines and apprehended associated suspects.
Overall, the Nigerian Army’s operations across the Niger Delta reflect a focused and determined approach to tackling the issue of illegal oil refining. The consistent successes reported, including significant recoveries of stolen products and the dismantling of numerous illegal activities, demonstrate the Army’s commitment to safeguarding the country’s resources and integrity. By maintaining heightened vigilance and employing strategic operations across the affected states, the 6 Division aims to disrupt the activities of economic saboteurs effectively, send a clear message about the consequences of illegal oil activities, and ensure a more stable environment in the Niger Delta.
