The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has reported significant progress in its anti-illegal oil bunkering operations within the Niger Delta, recovering approximately 1.2 million litres of stolen crude oil, destroying 56 illegal refineries, and arresting 17 suspected oil thieves. These operations spanned across four key states: Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom, highlighting the Army’s intensified efforts to combat oil theft and economic sabotage in the region. The recent accomplishments were disclosed by Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, Jonah Danjuma, in a statement from Port Harcourt, which detailed a series of raids conducted between November 25 and December 1, 2024.
The proactive measures implemented by the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, aimed at intensifying the fight against illegal bunkering have included the deactivation of over 56 oil theft sites, as well as the seizure of crucial equipment utilized in these operations. Specifically, troops destroyed 88 cooking drums and 20 boats associated with illegal oil refining and confiscated other vehicles and equipment linked to the criminals. These efforts underscore a concerted strategy to address the rampant illegal activities affecting the country’s oil industry, which is crucial for Nigeria’s economy.
One notable operation took place in Bayelsa State, particularly in the Okordia Forest area. Here, a total of 15 illegal refining sites were dismantled, yielding over 755,000 litres of stolen crude oil and more than 53,000 litres of illicitly refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). Additionally, further raids in the area surrounding Biseni Forest led to the shutdown of more sites, resulting in the confiscation of substantial quantities of stolen products. The consistent discoveries and dismantling of illegal operations signify a strategic approach to weakening the infrastructure that supported oil theft in the region.
In Rivers State, intelligence-gathering efforts revealed an illegal connection to a government pipeline in the Kula I area. This connection was used by oil thieves as a loading point, and troops discovered a significant ground reservoir storing large quantities of stolen oil. Concurrently, an abandoned truck was uncovered in Omoku, containing thousands of litres of stolen crude concealed in a fabricated tank. Similar operations in Degema LGA yielded further victories, including the confiscation of additional stolen oil and the arrest of multiple suspects involved in these illegal activities.
Operations in Delta and Akwa Ibom continued to showcase the scope of the Army’s mission. Troops in Delta pursued oil thieves to Ugo Community, arresting one suspected thief who led the team to a significant bunkering site. Furthermore, discoveries included transportation vehicles and storage rooms filled with stolen crude. In Akwa Ibom, based on credible intelligence, troops seized over 5,580 litres of petroleum motor spirit that was being prepared for smuggling to neighboring countries, thereby thwarting further economic sabotage.
Major General Jamal Abdussalam, the General Commanding of the 6 Division, emphasized the ongoing commitment to combat illegal oil bunkering and ensure the protection of vital national infrastructures within the Division’s jurisdiction. He commended the troops for their operational successes and assured the public that the pressure on illegal activities would be maintained, reinforcing the Army’s dedication to securing Nigeria’s economic interests against acts of sabotage that undermine the country’s oil wealth. This comprehensive and determined approach aims not only to reduce illegal oil activities but also to restore order and security across the Niger Delta.
