Troops of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, in conjunction with other security agencies, have arrested eight suspected oil thieves and recovered over 90,000 litres of stolen products in the Niger Delta region.

The feat, recorded between December 23 and 29, 2024, includes the dismantling of 20 illegal refining sites and the deactivation of 21 boats used for illegal activities.

Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Port Harcourt, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, who confirmed the development in a statement yesterday, said the troops responded to a tip-off on illegal activities around Buguma general area in Asari-Toru Local Council of Rivers State.

According to him, the troops during the operation, had a gun duel with criminal elements at the Ogajiama axis of Buguma/Bakana general area, also in Asari-Toru Local Council.

Danjuma revealed that they discovered a massive tarpaulin storage reservoir and a wooden boat with over 37,000 litres of stolen condensates.

He added that the operation led to the recovery of an illegal refining site, one big pot, and a receiver containing 9,000 litres of illegally refined Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK).

He said: “The troops also recorded successes in other parts of the region. In the Krakrama Community in Degema Local Council, they dismantled two illegal refining sites, seized four fibre and three wooden boats, and recovered about 2,000 litres of stolen crude.

“At Gbede in Omoku, one illegal refining site was dismantled, and 27 locally made ovens and 31 sacks loaded with over 2,000 litres of stolen products were confiscated.”

Danjuma also noted that troops discovered an illegal refining site at Odagwa – Imo Riverside in Etche Local Council of Rivers State where they recovered two drum pots, a wooden boat, and over 3,500 litres of stolen products.

He disclosed that at the fringes of Imo River, seven illegal refining sites were dismantled, and six boats, 122 drum pots, 49 drum receivers, and over 10,000 litres of stolen products were recovered.

Also, In Bayelsa State, Danjuma said troops dismantled one illegal refining site and confiscated about 8,000 litres of stolen products.

While in Akwa Ibom State, eleven 280-litre drums loaded with about 3,080 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) were intercepted, and an additional 31 drums of PMS estimated at 8,680 litres were recovered.

Meanwhile, the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, commended the troops for their efforts and charged them to continue maintaining vigilance in the Joint Operations Area.

He also called on the public to provide actionable intelligence to troops on the activities of economic saboteurs in the region.