By Victor Akaa.
In a massive crackdown on economic sabotage, troops from the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army have dealt a significant blow to illegal artisanal refiners and oil thieves in the Niger Delta Region.
Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma 6 Division’s Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations disclosed his on Sunday in a statement.
According to him, the operation, which took place from January 12 to 19, 2025, resulted in the deactivation of 23 illegal refineries, the destruction of 14 boats, and the arrest of 25 oil thieves, including four suspected members of the proscribed Independent People of Biafra (IPOB).
He noted that troops also recovered over 45,000 litres of stolen products, a staggering amount that highlights the severity of the problem.
He explained that the operation was a joint effort with other sister services, and it covered a wide area, including Rivers, Delta, and Bayelsa States.
In Rivers State, the troops impounded a truck carrying over 15,000 liters of stolen products, while in Degema Local Government Area, they deactivated seven illegal refining sites and recovered over 12,000 liters of stolen products.
Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma further said the troops also made significant gains in Imo Riverside, where they destroyed 13 illegal refining sites and recovered over 7,000 liters of stolen products.
The arrest of four suspected IPOB members in Delta State is also a significant development, as it suggests that the group may be involved in economic sabotage and oil theft.
According to the statement the troops recovered several items from the suspects, including motorcycles and other equipment used for the crime.
The General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, praised the troops for their doggedness and urged them to increase their operational tempo to deny criminal elements any foothold in the region
