Army smashes illegal refining syndicates in N’Delta

• Destroys 27 sites, seizes 100,000 litres of stolen crude

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division, Port Harcourt, in a series of operations, have dealt a blow to illegal refining syndicates in the Niger Delta, destroying 27 newly established sites and confiscating over 100,000 litres of stolen crude.

Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah, in a statement yesterday, said hotspots like the Imo River, a hub of criminal activities, were targeted. Over 23 illegal refining sites were destroyed, and two storage reservoirs containing 80,000 litres of stolen crude were confiscated.

Additionally, he disclosed that three vehicles loaded with illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) stashed in Geepee tanks and sacks were seized. The products are estimated to be over 8,000 litres.

He said the army’s efforts have sent criminal elements fleeing, stressing: “The operations are ongoing, with troops determined to maintain the momentum and crush illegal refining activities in the region..”

Also, Danjuma noted that fresh successes were recorded in Cowthorne Channel II, Degema Local Council of the state. He said troops of the 16 Brigade, in collaboration with other security agencies, discovered and destroyed over four illegal refining sites, complete with three metal drums and pits containing stolen crude estimated at 6,000 litres.

The latest feat, he said, adds to the growing list of seizures and destruction of illegal refining infrastructure by troops of the 6 Division, with products confiscated being handled appropriately.

Meanwhile, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, commended troops for their renewed efforts to take criminal merchants out of business.

He charged them with maintaining the integrity of pipelines, ensuring seamless operations for oil companies, and improving oil production in line with the Chief of Defence Staff’s operational directive.

The GOC also appealed to host communities and critical stakeholders to provide security agencies with credible intelligence on criminal activities to further strengthen the fight against illegal refining syndicates.