Troops Dismantle Another 20 Illegal Refineries in Niger Delta

Troops from the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, have dismantled 20 more illegal oil refining sites in the Niger Delta region and seized over 190,000 litres of stolen crude oil. This operation, which took place between December 30, 2024, and January 5, 2025, is part of ongoing efforts to combat oil theft in the region.

In a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, it was revealed that the operation, conducted in collaboration with other security agencies, led to the arrest of 11 suspected oil thieves and the destruction of 31 boats used for transporting stolen oil.

The army’s operation targeted a network of criminal enterprises involved in illegal refining and oil theft. The statement noted the following key activities during the operation:

• The discovery of four oil sewage containers around the Oando wellhead at Benkrukru in Yenagoa, filled with over 70,000 litres of stolen crude.
• The destruction of two illegal refining sites at Amalaghakiri in Nembe LGA, with over 15,000 litres of stolen crude oil confiscated.
• The closure of an illegal refining site in Southern Ijaw LGA, where 1,500 litres of stolen crude were recovered.
• In Rivers State, the discovery of an illegal connection point on the Oando pipeline near Ebocha, with four boats carrying over 22,000 litres of stolen crude.
• In the Obiafu Oil Field, over 8,000 litres of stolen crude were recovered from dugout pits and boats.
• In Delta State, vehicles involved in illicit activities were intercepted, and 7,500 litres of stolen crude were seized.
• In Akwa Ibom State, eight drums containing 2,240 litres of premium motor spirit (PMS) suspected to be smuggled were confiscated.

The troops also uncovered various other equipment used in illegal refining, including wooden boats, ovens, tanks, and drum receivers.

The General Officer Commanding 6 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, commended the troops for their hard work and resilience. He urged them to continue their efforts in dismantling illegal oil operations, stating that these actions would help create a stable environment for socio-economic activities in the region.