Army dismantles 19 illegal refineries, seizes 170,000 litres of stolen diesel

In a major crackdown on oil theft, the Nigerian Army has dismantled 19 illegal refining sites and confiscated over 170,000 litres of stolen Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) during various operations across the Niger Delta region.

The operations, conducted between December 2 and 8, 2024, were carried out by troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies.

According to a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, the operations resulted in the arrest of several oil thieves, the demobilisation of 21 boats used for crude theft, and the confiscation of various equipment and items used for illegal oil bunkering.

In Rivers State, troops intercepted Cotonou boats loaded with over 34,000 litres of illegally refined AGO around Okarki in Ahoada West Local Government Area.
Additionally, an illegal refining site containing over 30,000 litres of stolen crude oil was discovered at Ogbonga Forest in Bonny Island Local Government Area.

In Bayelsa State, troops dismantled an illegal refining site containing over 2,000 litres of illegally refined AGO at the Kalabilema general area in Nembe. Another illegal refining site was uncovered at Igbomotoru Creek in Southern Ijaw, along with a wooden boat suspected to be used for oil theft.

The operations extended to Akwa Ibom State, where troops intercepted 43 drums, each loaded with 280 litres of premium motor spirit, amounting to an estimated 12,040 litres, at Enwang II in Mbo Local Government Area. The products were reportedly being prepared for smuggling to a neighbouring country.

In Delta State, four suspected oil thieves were arrested at Koko in Warri Local Government Area while transporting 35 drums of black oil, estimated at over 7,000 litres, in a Mercedes Benz truck.

The Nigerian Army has reiterated its commitment to protecting the country’s oil and gas assets and ensuring the economic well-being of its citizens.