The Nigerian Army has discovered 11 illegal oil-refining sites and made significant seizures in a six-day crackdown on oil theft across Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers States.
In a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Monday, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Danjuma, spokesperson for the Army’s 6 Division, confirmed the operation’s success, revealing that seven suspects were arrested in the process.
The raids led to the recovery of 13,600 litres of stolen crude oil, 4,890 litres of adulterated diesel, and 37,700 litres of other unidentified petroleum products.
In Rivers State, troops stormed the Imo River area, where they uncovered six illegal refining sites. During the operation, soldiers recovered about 11,000 liters of stolen petroleum products and deactivated numerous tools used for the illegal trade, including 41 drum pots, 18 drum receivers, and 540 sack bags filled with the stolen oil. They also stopped attempts by oil thieves to rebuild other refining camps in the area.
In another part of Rivers, specifically Ahoada West, soldiers intercepted two Toyota Camry cars carrying more than 1,300 liters of illegally refined diesel.
Further operations at Krakrama Wellhead 12 in Bille, Degema, led to the arrest of seven individuals who were allegedly trying to vandalize the facility. Troops recovered three wooden boats loaded with over 1,500 litres of stolen crude oil during a sweep of the area.
In Delta State, the army seized 25,200 litres of an unspecified petroleum product and another 10,000 litres of stolen crude oil from two tankers, a truck, and a bus along the Koko-Obitigbo Road. They also discovered 3,350 litres of adulterated diesel packed in 100 cellophane bags in Oton-Urakpa, Sapele. Supporting equipment, such as three empty drums, two ovens, a metallic storage tank, and various hoses and pipes used to siphon oil, were also found.
In Bayelsa, troops dismantled four illegal refineries and recovered approximately 2,100 litres of stolen crude oil and an additional 1,500 litres of other illicit products in Biseni and Okordia, both in Yenagoa.
Meanwhile, soldiers operating in Akwa Ibom intercepted 240 liters of illegally refined diesel along the Okobo-Uyo Road. The products were found stored in eight jerrycans.
Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma confirmed that all arrested suspects had been handed over to relevant security agencies for further investigations and possible prosecution.
