In a major crackdown on oil theft, the Nigerian Army has dismantled 19 illegal refining sites and confiscated over 170,000 litres of stolen Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in various operations across the Niger Delta region.

The operations, which took place between December 2 and 8, 2024, were carried out by troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies.

According to a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, the operations resulted in the arrest of several oil thieves, demobilisation of 21 boats used for crude theft, and confiscation of various equipment and items used for illegal oil bunkering.

He noted that in Rivers State, troops intercepted Cotonou boats loaded with over 34,000 litres of illegally refined AGO around Okarki in Ahoada West Local Council.

Additionally, troops discovered an illegal refining site with over 30,000 litres of stolen crude oil at Ogbonga Forest in Bonny Island Local Council. Also, in Bayelsa State troops dismantled an illegal refining site with over 2,000 litres of illegally refined AGO at Kalabilema general area in Nembe. He noted that another illegal refining site was discovered at Igbomotoru Creek in Southern Ijaw, along with a wooden boat suspected to be used for oil theft.

The operations also extended to Akwa Ibom State, where troops intercepted 43 drums loaded with 280 litres of premium motor spirit each, estimated to be 12,040 litres, at Enwang II in Mbo Local Council.

The products were being prepared for smuggling to a neighbouring country. While in Delta State, four suspected oil thieves were arrested at Koko in Warri Local Council, while conveying 35 drums of black oil estimated to be over 7,000 litres in a Mercedes Benz truck.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army has reiterated its commitment to protecting the country’s oil and gas assets and ensuring the economic well-being of its citizens.