By Victor Akaa.
In a major crackdown on oil theft, troops of the 6 Division Nigerian Army (NA) has dismantled 13 illegal bunkering sites, demobilized four boats, and arrested 15 oil thieves, with over 150 locally made ovens deactivated.
Reports say, the operations, conducted from January 20 to 26, 2025, also resulted in the recovery of over 300,000 litres of stolen products.
Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma 6 Division’s Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations said on Sunday , said the army’s successes were achieved through a series of raids and interceptions across several states, including Edo, Delta, and Rivers.
According to him, in Edo State, troops discovered a large pool of stolen crude oil, estimated at 252,000 litres, at Ugo Community in Orhiomwon Local Government Area. Further investigation led to the recovery of a pumping machine, hose, and pipes.
In Delta State, a red 30,000 litres capacity DAF Tanker Truck was intercepted while siphoning crude from a pipeline in the bush. It was discovered that over 15,000 litres of stolen crude had already been siphoned before the truck was intercepted.
The operations also led to the confiscation of over 10,000 litres of stolen products in Rivers State, particularly along the Imo River corridor.
He said, an illegal refining site was discovered along Odagwa, and a pump action gun was recovered during a follow-up operation.
The statement explained that troops also dismantled three illegal refining sites in a cluster at Obiafu Oil field in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, with ten cooking drums, two rolls of hose, and eight reservoirs recovered.
It noted that similar successes were recorded in Abalama Community in Asari-Toru LGA, where troops discovered concealed jerricans filled with illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK).
The Nigerian Army’s efforts to curb oil theft and pipeline vandalism have been yielding positive results, with the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, reassuring that the days of criminal elements masquerading as economic saboteurs are numbered.
The GOC further advised them to turn a new leaf and embrace legitimate means of livelihood or face renewed onslaught.
This operation was conducted by troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other sister services, and demonstrates the army’s commitment to protecting the nation’s oil and gas infrastructure, Enugu Reporters gathered.
