The Nigerian Army, 6 Division, has arrested 14 suspected oil thieves and dismantled 14 illegal refining sites in a series of coordinated operations across the Niger Delta.
The raids, which took place between October 20 and November 9, also led to the seizure of over 20,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.
This was disclosed in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Monday by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations for the Division, Jonah Danjuma.
According to the statement, troops intensified surveillance and stormed several hotspots known for oil bunkering activities in Rivers, Delta, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa states, where illegal refining camps and storage facilities were discovered.
“The operations resulted in the dismantling of fourteen illegal refining hubs, the arrest of fourteen suspected oil thieves, and the recovery of over 20,205 litres of stolen products across the region,” Danjuma said.
In Rivers State, soldiers reportedly uncovered six refining sites along the Imo River axis where equipment such as drum pots and storage tanks were destroyed.
Over 8,000 litres of crude products were also recovered from locations in Oyigbo Local Government Area and Ukwa West in neighbouring Abia State.
Troops also intercepted sacks containing over 1,250 litres of stolen crude oil near an abandoned wellhead in a remote manifold area.
Similar operations in Delta State led to the arrest of three suspects in Ughelli North Local Government Area.
A truck and a motorcycle used in transporting the products were seized, along with over 4,000 litres of condensate.
In Warri South, an active refining camp was discovered with a cooking oven and more than 1,100 litres of stolen crude found packed in sacks.
Troops in Akwa Ibom State also intercepted a truck allegedly loading illegally refined diesel from an underground reservoir at a filling station in Ikot Ekpene. The truck was said to contain more than 3,200 litres of Automotive Gas Oil.
The Army noted that operations are still ongoing in Bayelsa to track down more illicit networks involved in pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft.
The General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, applauded the troops for the feat and encouraged them not to relent.
“These criminals are economic saboteurs. Our duty is to protect our national assets and ensure that the oil industry operates without disruption. Troops must sustain the operational momentum,” Emekah stated.
