Army cracks down on illegal oil bunkering in N’Delta, deactivates 46 refining sites

In a statement issued yesterday by the Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah, the Army disclosed that its operations resulted in the deactivation of 46 illegal refining sites and the confiscation of over 95,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.

In Rivers State, troops clashed with armed vandals along the Oando pipeline in Ebocha, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Council. After a brief firefight, the criminals fled, leaving behind an AK-47 rifle with a loaded magazine containing 17 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.

Additionally, seven suspected oil thieves were apprehended as troops intercepted large wooden boats transporting over 28,320 litres of stolen crude in Obiafu-Ndoni.

The statement noted that other successful operations included dismantling illegal refining sites and deactivating boats in Buguma, Asari Toru Local Council, where over 9,500 litres of stolen products were recovered. In Degema Local Council, 10,500 litres of stolen Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) were seized around Tuma and Krakrama.

In Bayelsa State, troops dismantled two illegal refining sites, recovered over 6,000 litres of stolen products, and seized two boats in Tunu and Clough Creeks, Ekeremor Local Council.

Similar operations in Nembe and Ogbia Local Councils led to the destruction of additional refining sites and the recovery of over 3,000 litres of stolen products.

In Delta State, troops intercepted a Sienna bus carrying 28 cellophane bags filled with stolen AGO/condensates in Oyede community, Isoko South Local Council.

Meanwhile, in AkwaIbom State, several vehicles were stopped in Ikot Akan, IkotAbasi Local Council, resulting in the recovery of over 2,160 litres of stolen AGO and the arrest of five suspects.

Major General Jamal Abdussalam, General Officer Commanding 6 Division, assured that the Division would sustain its operations to safeguard critical national infrastructure, eliminate economic saboteurs, and boost oil production in the region.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Jonah, the apprehended suspects have been handed over to relevant authorities for prosecution, while the confiscated products are being managed according to due process.