Troops arrest 29 suspected oil thieves, seize 197,000 litres of stolen diesel in N’Delta 

The Nigerian Army has arrested 29 suspected oil thieves and seized stolen products following a major crackdown on oil thieves and illegal refiners in the Niger Delta Region (NDR).

Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah in a statement, said the troops confiscated 197,000 litres of stolen products comprising, crude oil, Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) during the operations.

Danjuma explained that the ongoing anti-illegal bunkering operations, which took place from December 9 to 15, also resulted in the deactivation of 42 illegal refining sites and the demobilisation of 32 boats, 12 vehicles, and eight motorcycles used for economic sabotage in the NDR.

He disclosed that troops conducted several operations in Bayelsa State, including the deactivation of four newly established illegal refining sites in Biseni Forest, Yenagoa Local Council, with about 37,000 litres of stolen crude recovered.

“In Rivers State, he said troops intercepted three illegal refining sites, one wooden and five fibre boats, with over 30,000 litres of stolen crude in Kula, Akuku-Toru Local Council .

“Additionally, troops discovered 13 illegal refining sites, 73 drum pots, 40 drum receivers, eleven metal container receivers, as well as over 28,500 litres of stolen products along the Imo River.

“While in Delta State, troops discovered an active illegal refining site with five ovens, one boat, and about 5,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in Aronwon Community, Warri North Local Council.

“Furthermore, troops intercepted three tanker trucks loaded with substances suspected to be illegally refined AGO within the premises of Pig Parker Filling Station along refinery road in Uvwie Local Council. Five suspected oil thieves were arrested in connection to the products,” he added.

Meanwhile, General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, who commended the troops for their efforts, reassured that the ongoing operations would be sustained to achieve the target set for December 2024.