Troops Destroy 42 Illegal Refineries, Arrest 29 Suspects In Niger Delta
Troops from the 6th Division of the Nigerian Army have successfully destroyed 42 illegal refineries and arrested 29 suspects in the Niger Delta during a one-week operation against oil theft and illegal bunkering.
From December 9 to 15, 2024, the military reported the confiscation of 197,000 litres of stolen petroleum products and the demobilisation of 32 boats, 12 vehicles, and eight motorcycles used for illegal activities in the region.
The operation, led by the acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah, included raids on several illegal refining sites across Bayelsa, Rivers, and Delta states.
In Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa, troops deactivated newly constructed illegal refineries, recovering about 37,000 litres of stolen crude at Biseni Forest. Another operation in Okordia Forest yielded 29,900 litres of crude and 2,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). In the Nembe Local Government Area, over 5,000 litres of stolen crude were recovered from a wooden boat.
In Rivers State, illegal refining sites were dismantled in the Kula and Bille areas, where more than 30,000 litres of stolen crude were seized. Troops also handled over 28,500 litres of stolen products and equipment in various localities along the Imo River and other communities.
Additionally, in Delta State, an illegal refining site was destroyed at Aronwon Community, and three tanker trucks suspected of carrying illegally refined AGO were intercepted at a filling station in Uvwie Local Government Area, leading to the arrest of five suspects.
Major General Jamal Abdussalam, the General Officer Commanding the 6th Division, commended the troops for their efforts and assured that operations would continue throughout December 2024 to curb oil theft and its associated crimes.
