Troops intercept 230,000 litres of crude, destroy 37 illegal refining site

Troops of the 6th Division, Nigerian Army, in a sweeping operation have confiscated 230,000 litres of stolen crude oil and destroyed 37 illegal refining sites in the Niger Delta region.

The operation, conducted in conjunction with other security agencies, is part of the ongoing efforts to sustain operational tempo in the region and protect Nigeria’s economic assets.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, troops destroyed 37 illegal refining sites, intercepted 12 boats, 9 vehicles, and 4 motorcycles carrying stolen products, and arrested 8 suspects.

In Rivers State, troops destroyed one illegal refining site and recovered 9,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in Abesa.

Additionally, he said a large wooden boat filled with over 120,000 litres of stolen crude oil was intercepted around Abesa general area in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area.

Further, at ETEO SETRACO junction in Eleme Local Government Area, troops discovered one illegal connection point that was traced to a facility with a high elevated fence.

He noted that the facility has been identified as a criminal loading point, where two tanker trucks were intercepted loading stolen crude. The operation led to the recovery of over 40,000 stolen products and the arrest of five guards.

Also in Imo Riverside, troops recorded significant successes, destroying over 30 illegal refining sites, 44 cooking pots, and six wooden boats. Over 20,000 litres of stolen products were recovered around Assa, Lekuma, Abiama, and Okoloma.

While in Delta State, he said troops intercepted a Mack truck attempting to steal crude oil from a pipeline in Olomoroh community, Isioko South Local Government Area. The criminals fled, abandoning the vehicle.

He said in Bayelsa State, troops deactivated one illegal refining site and confiscated 2,500 litres of stolen crude oil in Golubokiri, Nembe Local Government Area.

Similarly, in Akwa Ibom State, troops arrested one suspect with 25 nylon bags of stolen AGO along Abak Ukanafun in Abak Local Government Area.

Meanwile, General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, commended the troops for their operational successes and urged them to make the region inhospitable to criminal elements.

“The Nigerian Army remains committed to combating economic sabotage and ensuring the security of the Niger Delta region,” he said.

He urged the public to provide credible information to security agencies to aid in the fight against oil theft.