Army cracks down on oil thieves in N’Delta, arrests 10, recovers 115,000 litres

Troops from the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army have intensified their fight against oil theft in the Niger Delta, dismantling over 15 illegal refining sites and apprehending 10 suspects in a series of coordinated operations across Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom states.

Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 6 Division, reported that the operation seized over 115,000 litres of stolen crude oil and refined products. Troops also dismantled over 30 cooking pots used in the illegal refining process and intercepted 11 vehicles and several boats used to transport the stolen oil.

In Rivers State, soldiers intercepted a truck carrying 40,000 litres of stolen crude oil near SIAT Farm, Elele, in Ikwerre Local Council. Three illegal refining sites were dismantled at Sankri in Okrika Local Council, where 26,500 litres of stolen products were recovered. At Dapama, in the Bille area of Degema Local Council, troops deactivated four illegal refining sites and seized two wooden boats containing 10,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and 6,000 litres of stolen crude.

In Bayelsa State, operations at Sabasuo in Nembe Council led to the deactivation of illegal refining sites and the recovery of 2,800 litres of stolen products. Another site was dismantled at Amalakiri in Southern Ijaw Council, yielding 2,500 litres of stolen products. A wooden boat carrying 1,800 litres of stolen AGO was intercepted near Idewa/Waribokiri in Ogbia Council.

In Delta State, troops intercepted a trailer with registration number JJN 167 ZU (Plateau State), illegally siphoning crude oil from a Nigerian Petroleum Development Company pipeline at Ozoro in Isoko North Council. Two suspects were arrested at the scene.

In Akwa Ibom State, soldiers intercepted three drums of premium motor spirit at the edge of the Oron waterways, suspected to be destined for smuggling into a neighbouring country.

Lieutenant Colonel Jonah emphasised the Nigerian Army’s commitment to protecting the nation’s economic interests and disrupting the activities of oil thieves and their collaborators.