Paragraph 1: The Nigerian Army’s Offensive Against Oil Theft in the Niger Delta
The Nigerian Army’s 6 Division launched a significant operation against illegal oil bunkering and related criminal activities in the Niger Delta region. This operation, conducted between December 23 and 29, 2024, targeted illegal refining sites, stolen crude oil, and the criminal networks facilitating these operations. The operation spanned across four states: Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Delta, demonstrating the widespread nature of this illicit trade and the army’s commitment to tackling it. The collaborative efforts involved sister security agencies, highlighting the importance of inter-agency cooperation in addressing this complex issue. The operation yielded substantial results, including the dismantling of numerous illegal refining sites, the recovery of significant quantities of stolen crude oil and refined products, and the apprehension of several suspects. This decisive action underscores the army’s resolve to protect Nigeria’s vital oil resources and combat the economic sabotage caused by oil theft.
Paragraph 2: Operational Successes and Key Discoveries in Rivers State
The heart of the operation centered in Rivers State, where multiple raids led to significant breakthroughs. Acting on intelligence, troops uncovered a large tarpaulin reservoir near Buguma, in the Asari-Toru Local Government Area, containing over 37,000 litres of stolen condensates. This discovery highlights the sophisticated methods employed by oil thieves to store and transport stolen products. In the same vicinity, a firefight erupted between troops and criminal elements, forcing the criminals to retreat. This incident underscores the inherent dangers involved in confronting these well-armed criminal networks. Further operations in the area resulted in the seizure of 9,000 litres of illegally refined Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) and the arrest of three suspected oil thieves. In Krakrama Community, Degema Local Government Area, troops dismantled two illegal refining sites and impounded seven boats, further disrupting the logistical operations of these criminal enterprises. Additional seizures of stolen crude and refined products were made in Gbede, Omoku, and Odagwa-Imo Riverside, demonstrating the pervasive nature of illegal oil bunkering activities across the state.
Paragraph 3: Expanding the Offensive to Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Delta States
The operation extended beyond Rivers State, targeting illegal oil activities in Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Delta States. In Bayelsa State, troops dismantled an illegal refining site in Biseni Forest, Yenagoa Local Government Area, and seized approximately 8,000 litres of stolen petroleum products. Furthermore, an attempt to vandalize a Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) flowline in the Opukushi area of Ekeremor Local Government Area was thwarted, highlighting the persistent threat to critical oil infrastructure. In Akwa Ibom State, operations focused on intercepting smuggled petroleum products. A total of 42 drums containing over 11,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) were seized in Mbo Local Government Area. Preliminary investigations indicated that these products were destined for smuggling to a neighboring country, illustrating the transnational dimension of this illicit trade. In Delta State, the army conducted operations to disrupt criminal activities and create a more secure environment for legitimate oil exploration and production activities.
Paragraph 4: Impact and Significance of the Military Intervention
The comprehensive operation conducted by the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army delivered a significant blow to illegal oil bunkering and related criminal activities in the Niger Delta. The dismantling of 20 illegal refining sites disrupts the production capacity of these illicit operations. The recovery of over 90,000 litres of stolen petroleum products represents a substantial financial loss to the criminal networks and a recovery of valuable resources for the nation. The arrest of eight suspects provides opportunities for further investigation and prosecution, potentially leading to the dismantling of larger criminal syndicates. Moreover, the seizure of boats and other equipment used in these illicit activities further hampers their operational capabilities. The operation’s success demonstrates the effectiveness of proactive military interventions combined with inter-agency cooperation in combating this complex and pervasive criminal enterprise.
Paragraph 5: The Role of Community Intelligence and Military Leadership
The success of the operation was partly attributed to the valuable intelligence provided by local communities. This highlights the importance of community engagement and the crucial role of citizens in providing actionable information to security agencies. The General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, commended the troops for their vigilance and professionalism, emphasizing the dedication and commitment of the personnel involved in this challenging operation. He further encouraged continued collaboration between security forces and local communities, recognizing that collective efforts are essential to effectively address the multifaceted problem of oil theft and economic sabotage in the region.
Paragraph 6: The Ongoing Fight Against Oil Theft in the Niger Delta
The operation against illegal oil bunkering represents a significant step forward, but the fight is far from over. The Niger Delta region continues to grapple with the persistent challenge of oil theft and its devastating consequences. The economic losses, environmental damage, and security risks associated with this illicit trade demand sustained and coordinated efforts from all stakeholders. Continued vigilance, proactive operations, robust inter-agency cooperation, and community engagement will be crucial in maintaining pressure on criminal networks and safeguarding Nigeria’s vital oil resources. Further investigations and prosecutions are needed to bring those responsible for these criminal activities to justice and deter future illicit operations. The long-term solution will require a multifaceted approach that addresses the root causes of oil theft, including poverty, unemployment, and corruption, while strengthening law enforcement and promoting sustainable development in the Niger Delta region.
