Troops from the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, have made a significant impact on illegal oil bunkering operations in the Niger Delta region.Between November 25 and December 1, 2024, the operation led to the dismantling of more than 56 illegal oil bunkering sites, the confiscation of 88 cooking drums, and the seizure of 20 boats.

According to a release by the Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the troops recovered over 1.2 million litres of stolen crude oil, arrested 17 suspected oil thieves, and intercepted seven vehicles. The troop also discovered six illegal connection points and destroyed five motorcycles used for perpetrating economic sabotage across the region.

In Bayelsa State, the troops deactivated 15 illegal refining sites at an abandoned Oando wellhead in Okordia Forest, Yenagoa Local Government Area, and recovered over 755,000 litres of stolen crude oil and 53,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).

Similarly, in Rivers State, the troops discovered an illegal connection on a 36-inch government pipeline in Kula I, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, and recovered a ground reservoir stocked with over 100,000 litres of stolen products.  The operation also led to the arrest of three suspected oil thieves in connection with the economic sabotage.
including Delta State, where they pursued economic saboteurs to Ugo Community in Orhionwon Local Government Area of Edo State, arresting one suspected oil thief and recovering several sacks filled with stolen products.

In Akwa Ibom, the troops intercepted several drums of petroleum motor spirit estimated to be over 5,580 litres at Enwang Bridge in Mbo Local Government Area, which were being prepared for smuggling to a neighbouring country.

Meanwhile, the General Officer, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, commended the troops for their huge operational successes and reassured them that the ongoing onslaught against illegal oil bunkering would be sustained to secure all critical national infrastructures within the Division’s Area of Responsibility.