By Victor Akaa
In a sustained effort to curb the menace of oil theft and illegal refining operations in the Niger Delta, troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in conjunction with other security agencies, have dealt a significant blow to economic saboteurs and confiscated over 230,000 litres of stolen crude oil.
Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director 6 Div Army Public Relations on Sunday disclosed that troops also thwarted multiple attempts by the oil thieves to siphon oil products from compromised pipelines.
He noted that the latest operational successes recorded by the troops are a testament to their unwavering commitment to protecting Nigeria’s economic assets and ensuring the stability of the region.
He said the military’s intensified efforts have yielded impressive results, with the destruction of 37 illegal refining sites, the interception of 12 boats, 9 vehicles, and 4 motorcycles laden with stolen products, and the arrest of 8 suspects.
In one notable operation, troops destroyed an illegal refining site in Abesa, Rivers State, recovering 9,000 litres of stolen Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
Additionally, a large wooden boat filled with over 120,000 litres of stolen crude was intercepted in the area. Further investigation led to the discovery of an illegal connection point at ETEO SETRACO junction in Eleme Local Government Area, which served as a loading point for stolen crude.
According to the statement two tanker trucks were intercepted, and over 40,000 litres of stolen products were recovered.
In Imo Riverside, troops recorded significant successes, destroying over 30 illegal refining sites, 44 cooking pots, and 6 wooden boats. The operation also yielded the recovery of over 20,000 litres of stolen products.
Similar operations were conducted in other parts of the region, including Krakrama in the Asari-Toru Local Government Area, where one illegal refining site and two locally made boats were destroyed, with over 13,000 litres of stolen products recovered.
The military’s crackdown on oil thieves also extended to Ogba/Ndoni/Egbema Local Government Area, where one illegal refining site, twelve drums, numerous sacks, and two wooden boats were destroyed, and over 3,500 litres of stolen crude were confiscated.
In Ajatitor and Clough Creeks in Ekeremor Local Government Area, troops destroyed three illegal refining sites, a wooden boat with over 7,000 litres of stolen crude, and 3,000 litres of AGO.
In Bayelsa State, troops deactivated an illegal refining site in Golubokiri, Nembe Local Government Area, confiscating over 2,500 litres of stolen crude.
Similar operations were conducted in Southern Ijaw, where four wooden boats and over 5,000 litres of stolen products were recovered.
In Delta State, troops intercepted a Mack truck attempting to steal crude oil from a pipeline in Olomoroh community, Isioko South Local Government Area. The suspects fled, abandoning the vehicle.
Another wooden boat stealing crude from a Wellhead in the Opumami Oil field, Warri South Local Government Area, was also intercepted and destroyed.
In Akwa Ibom State, one suspect was arrested with 25 nylon bags of stolen AGO along Abak Ukanafun in Abak Local Government Area.
The General Officer Commanding the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, commended the troops for their operational exploits and urged them to continue making the region untenable for criminal elements.
He also encouraged the public to provide credible information to security agencies on the activities of economic saboteurs.
The military’s sustained efforts to curb oil theft and illegal refining operations in the Niger Delta have yielded significant results, demonstrating their commitment to protecting Nigeria’s economic assets and ensuring regional stability.
