Army arrests 24 oil thieves, recovers 700,000 litres of stolen crude in Niger Delta

Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in a significant blow to oil thieves in the Niger Delta region, have recovered over 700,000 litres of stolen products in a series of coordinated operations conducted between October 28 and November 3, 2024.

In a statement by Acting Deputy Director 6 Division Nigerian Army Port Harcourt Barracks, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah said the operations, carried out in collaboration with other security agencies, resulted in the deactivation of 29 illegal refining sites, the arrest of 24 oil thieves, and the destruction of 14 boats used for stealing crude.

He said a breakthrough was achieved in Rivers State, where troops intercepted a massive wooden boat laden with over 150,000 litres of stolen crude in the Kula general area of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area.

He noted that six suspects connected to the crime were arrested, and in a separate operation, another wooden boat with over 50,000 litres of crude was intercepted.

Three illegal refining sites were deactivated, and several large cooking pots containing over 20,000 litres of stolen Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) were recovered.

Further successes were recorded in Bayelsa State, where troops deactivated two illegal refining sites and intercepted two wooden boats with over 2,500 litres of stolen crude.

Similar operations were conducted in Akwa Ibom State, resulting in the interception of two Toyota Camry vehicles loaded with illegally refined AGO concealed in nylon bags. Two persons were arrested in connection with the crime.

While in Delta State, troops intercepted a tricycle conveying stolen iron pipes and swooped on an illegal storage dump containing over 40 jerricans of stolen products.

A wooden boat conveying over 200 sacks of premium motor spirit was also intercepted, and a makeshift shop stocked with stolen AGO was discovered.

Meanwhile, the General Officer Commanding the 6th Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, commended the troops for their successes and urged them to sustain the tempo to clear the region of criminal elements.

He also called on community leaders to take ownership of the fight against illegal oil bunkering.