Troops destroy 12 illegal refineries, seize 70,000 litres of stolen fuel in N’Delta

Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in a coordinated operation against oil theft, have confiscated over 70,000 litres of stolen Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and other petroleum products in the Niger Delta region.

The operation, conducted in collaboration with other security agencies, took place between January 27 and February 2, 2025. Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah, disclosed this in a statement yesterday. He said troops destroyed 12 illegal refining sites, arrested 16 suspected oil thieves, and demobilised six boats used in the illegal activities.

Jonah added that troops intercepted nine vandalised pipes and seized various equipment employed in illegal oil bunkering. In Rivers State, they intercepted two fully loaded suction trucks, each conveying 12,000 litres of stolen crude. The trucks were seized along the Igwuruta-Airport road in Ikwerre Local Council.

Also, troops discovered a massive storage facility at a scrap yard, where they confiscated over 10,000 litres of stolen petroleum products. In the Imo River area, the operation led to the destruction of three illegal refining sites, 43 cooking drums, and 23 receivers. Troops also seized a locally fabricated double-barrel gun suspected to have been abandoned by fleeing oil thieves.

In Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Council, four illegal refining sites were deactivated, and 86 locally made ovens were seized. A dugout pit containing over 7,200 litres of stolen crude and 2,700 litres of AGO was also discovered.

Jonah said: “Similarly, operations conducted around Mgbede Community in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA) led to the deactivation of four illegal refining sites and the seizure of 86 locally made ovens, with a dugout pit containing over 7,200 litres of stolen crude and 2,700 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).

“Along Ndoni waterside in ONELGA, troops discovered over 102 sacks filled with over 5,100 litres of stolen AGO and premium motor spirit. At Agah general area, 35 sacks containing over 2,100 litres of illegally refined AGO were confiscated. In Omoku, also in ONELGA, two oil thieves were apprehended with 14 sacks of condensates stored in their home.”

In Delta State, troops intercepted an abandoned wooden boat carrying over 3,160 litres of stolen crude. In Bayelsa State, a suspected oil thief was arrested with over 1,100 litres of illegally refined AGO.

Meanwhile, the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, commended the troops for their operational successes. He urged them to remain professional and disciplined in carrying out their duties.