Nigerian Army Dismantles 32 Illegal Refineries in Niger Delta

In a renewed effort to tackle oil theft and illegal refining activities, the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division has dismantled 32 illegal refineries across the Niger Delta. The operations, conducted between January 6 and January 12, 2025, also led to the arrest of 15 suspects and the recovery of over 60,000 litres of stolen crude and refined products.

Lt. Colonel Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 6 Division, disclosed this in a statement, detailing the results of the operations conducted in collaboration with other security agencies.

Rivers State Operations

•In Degema Local Government Area (LGA), troops deactivated seven illegal refining sites, confiscating over 20,000 litres of stolen crude and destroying two wooden boats used in the illicit trade.

•Along the Imo River stretch, ten illegal refining sites were shut down, with several drum pots and storage tanks destroyed. Over 19,000 litres of stolen crude were recovered.

•In Etche LGA, three boats carrying more than 12,000 litres of stolen crude were intercepted, and three suspects were arrested at the scene.

Other Notable Seizures

•In Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, troops dismantled one illegal refinery and seized a reservoir containing over 1,200 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil, alongside sacks holding 1,600 litres of crude oil. A vehicle transporting 18 sacks of stolen condensates, amounting to 1,200 litres, was also intercepted along Ndoni Road.

•In Asari-Toru LGA, two illegal refining sites were destroyed, and a small wooden boat carrying 1,500 litres of stolen crude was confiscated. Five suspects were arrested in connection with the activities.

Bayelsa State Actions

•At Southern Ijaw LGA, an illegal refining site was dismantled, and a wooden boat carrying 1,500 litres of stolen crude was seized.

•In Nembe LGA, troops discovered and destroyed another illegal refining site, recovering an unquantified amount of stolen crude.

Continued Surveillance in Delta and Akwa Ibom States

Lt.-Col. Danjuma emphasized that ongoing operations in Delta and Akwa Ibom States have disrupted the activities of economic saboteurs, denying them freedom of action in the region.

Commendation for Troops

The General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, praised the troops for their achievements, urging them to sustain the momentum. He noted that these operations would not only curb oil theft but also boost oil production and ensure a safe environment for exploration activities.

The suspects apprehended during the operations have been handed over to relevant authorities for prosecution. The Nigerian Army remains resolute in its fight against oil theft, ensuring the protection of the nation’s critical resources.