By Seyi Odewale
Troops of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army have recorded significant milestones in the fight against oil theft, including dismantling 37 illegal refining sites.
The Division, in collaboration with other security agencies, also seized six boats, arrested 10 suspected oil thieves, and recovered over 130,000 litres of stolen products.
According to a statement by the Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division, Army Public Relations Danjuma Danjuma, these feats were achieved during separate operations conducted between December 16 and 22, 2024.
Danjuma said that around Obiafu in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni (ONELGA) Local Government Area (LGA), Rivers State, troops destroyed a cluster of nine illegal refining sites, which housed 176 cooking drums, several pumping machines, and locally constructed dumps stocked with over 60,000 litres of stolen products.
He said, “These included approximately 50,000 litres of stolen crude oil, 5,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and 6,250 litres of illegally refined Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK). Four suspected oil thieves were apprehended during the operation.
“In Buguma, Asari-Toru LGA, three illegal refining sites, and a large boat were dismantled, with over 24,000 litres of stolen products recovered. Meanwhile, around Bille and Bakana in Degema LGA, three illegal refining sites and three boats (two wooden and one fibre) were intercepted.
“Troops recovered over 16,000 litres of stolen crude oil and illegally refined DPK from these locations. In Ozorchi Forest, Abua/Odual LGA, four illegal refining sites containing over 10,000 litres of stolen products were also neutralised.”
He said similar successes were recorded along the Imo River, where eight illegal refining sites, 50 drum pots, 65 metal container receivers, and over 5,000 litres of stolen products were dismantled during clearance operations.
The Army disclosed that in Bayelsa State, troops uncovered an illegal refining site at Kunsho Creek in Southern Ijaw LGA, where 2,000 litres of stolen crude oil were confiscated.
“Another operation at Kumbo 4 Flow Line in Ekeremor LGA foiled an attempt to sabotage a Shell Petroleum Development Company pipeline. The vandals fled the scene, abandoning 18-inch pipes and three gas cylinders.
“In Delta State, troops intercepted a tanker truck linked to Platform Petroleum Limited’s pipeline at Obiukwole community in Ethiope East LGA blue hose connecting the pipeline to the tanker truck was discovered, and four suspects were arrested.
“In Akwa Ibom, troops maintained dominance in the hinterlands and waterways to deter criminal activities.
“The General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, commended the troops for their achievements and urged them to sustain the offensive against oil thieves. He reiterated that criminal elements would not be allowed any freedom of action in the region,” the statement read.
