Army Destroys 20 Illegal Refineries, Seizes 90,000 Litres of Stolen Oil in Major Niger Delta Operation
The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has successfully dismantled 20 illegal refineries and seized over 90,000 litres of stolen petroleum products in a major operation across the Niger Delta region. The operation, which took place between December 23 and December 29, 2024, also resulted in the arrest of eight suspects involved in the illicit oil trade.
The Army collaborated with other security agencies in Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Delta States to carry out the anti-bunkering operation. Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of the 6 Division Army Public Relations, confirmed the operation’s success in a statement from Port Harcourt.
Key Outcomes of the Operation:
20 illegal refining sites dismantled
90,000 litres of stolen oil recovered
Eight suspects arrested
21 boats used in illegal activities destroyed
The operation was based on actionable intelligence and was aimed at curbing the growing menace of oil theft and environmental degradation in the Niger Delta.
Details of Major Operations:
In the Buguma area of Asari-Toru Local Government Area, the Army uncovered a large tarpaulin reservoir and a wooden boat containing 37,000 litres of stolen condensates. Another operation in Ogajiama, part of the Buguma/Bakana region, saw troops face resistance from armed individuals but successfully dismantle an illegal refinery. They seized 9,000 litres of refined kerosene and arrested three suspects.
In Krakrama Community, Degema Local Government Area, the Army destroyed two illegal refining sites, seizing four fibre boats, three wooden boats, and 2,000 litres of stolen crude oil. In Gbede, Omoku, they dismantled a refinery site, seizing 27 locally made ovens and over 2,000 litres of stolen products.
In the Imo River region, seven illegal refineries were destroyed, and more than 10,000 litres of stolen oil products were recovered. Additionally, Bayelsa State saw the dismantling of a refinery in the Biseni Forest, recovering 8,000 litres of stolen products.
In Akwa Ibom, the Army intercepted 11 drums of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) totaling 3,080 litres, with further discoveries in Ibaka leading to the seizure of 8,680 litres.
Delta State Efforts:
Delta State saw a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to target illegal activities, with significant success in denying criminal groups the freedom to operate.
Public Involvement and Commendations:
Major General Jamal Abdussalam, the General Officer Commanding the 6 Division, praised the troops for their diligence and success. He also encouraged the public to remain vigilant and provide valuable intelligence to help continue the fight against economic sabotage and secure the region’s oil resources.
This operation is part of a broader effort by the Nigerian military to curb illegal oil refining and protect the environment in the Niger Delta region.
