News

See the Number Arrested as Army Dismantles 43 Illegal Refineries in Niger Delta

Published by Tope Fakinlede on November 11th, 2024.

See the Number Arrested as Army Dismantles 43 Illegal Refineries in Niger Delta

The Nigerian Army’s 6 Division has apprehended 19 individuals suspected of oil theft and dismantled 43 illegal crude refining sites across the Niger Delta. Additionally, the army seized approximately 260,000 liters of stolen petroleum products during a series of operations conducted in four states of the region.

The Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, Jonah Dan Juma, shared the details of these operations in a statement issued from Port Harcourt on Sunday. According to the statement, the operations took place across Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, and Delta states, and have led to significant progress in curbing illegal oil bunkering activities.

The statement read:

“From November 4 to 10, 2024, troops dismantled 43 illegal oil refining sites, arrested 19 suspected economic saboteurs, and seized over 260,000 liters of stolen petroleum products. The operations also resulted in the destruction of over 11 vehicles, 21 boats, and 11 motorcycles, all of which were being used in the illegal extraction and transportation of crude oil.”

In Rivers State, efforts were focused on dismantling illegal refining hubs in areas such as Abesa and Kula in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, where seven active sites were destroyed, and more than 60,000 liters of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) were recovered. Similar operations in the Cawthorne Channel 1 and Bille regions led to the destruction of bunkering sites, the recovery of over 41,000 liters of stolen fuel, and the seizure of several boats used for smuggling the products.

In Buguma Creeks, four illegal refining hubs were dismantled, alongside eight large cooking pots, massive storage tanks, and three boats, all containing more than 12,500 liters of stolen crude. Further operations around the Odagwa, Akwa, Oza West, Oyigbo, Obozur, and Ayama areas resulted in the interception of wooden boats carrying over 10,000 liters of stolen products.

The army also reported the interception of several vehicles transporting stolen petroleum products. Notably, two tankers carrying over 96,000 liters of stolen fuel were seized along the Okopedi Atai Road in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area. Additionally, three Toyota Camry cars were intercepted along the Ikot Abasi-Port Harcourt road, with over 5,400 liters of stolen AGO recovered after the drivers abandoned the vehicles and fled into the bush.

In Delta State, a tanker truck loaded with 45,000 liters of stolen products was intercepted, while two other tanker trucks, along with several pumping machines and hoses, were seized at Willis Jetty in Enerhen. Other stolen products were found in vehicles in Isoko South Local Government Area.

Operations in Bayelsa State resulted in the interception of a vehicle with over 1,500 liters of stolen AGO, and the destruction of a suspected storage facility used for illicit oil products. Additionally, three suspects were arrested with a pumping machine at Ashawo Fish Camp along Sangana River.

The General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, praised the troops for their efforts, emphasizing the importance of sustaining these operations to enhance Nigeria’s oil production and security in the region.