By NewsDesk
In a renewed offensive against oil theft and illegal refining in the Niger Delta, troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division have destroyed 14 illegal refining sites and arrested 16 suspects in a week-long operation across several states.
The operations, conducted from February 24 to March 2 in collaboration with other security agencies, also led to the confiscation of over 24,000 litres of stolen crude oil and illegally refined products.
In Bayelsa State, troops dismantled three illegal refining sites in Yenagoa Local Government Area (LGA). Acting on intelligence, they raided sites in Biseni and Adibawa, destroying storage facilities and recovering over 13,800 litres of stolen crude and illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO). Equipment such as a generator, welding tools, and pumping machines were also seized.
In Rivers State, soldiers intercepted a truck loaded with 140 sacks of stolen crude oil at a checkpoint in Okrika LGA. The driver abandoned the vehicle and fled upon sighting troops. Additionally, multiple illegal refining sites were destroyed in Omoku, Asari-Toru, and Emohua LGAs. In Rumukpe, a massive drum pot and ten polythene bags filled with stolen products were destroyed. Around the fringes of the Imo River, over 30 drum pots and 16 drum receivers used for illicit refining were neutralized.
In Delta State, troops raided an illegal refining camp in Ugbokodo Community, Warri South LGA, confiscating 1,500 litres of AGO stored in sacks. A black SUV transporting suspected illegally refined AGO was also intercepted. Acting on intelligence, troops apprehended four suspected oil thieves in Warri South West LGA near Egwa oil wells.
Meanwhile, in Akwa Ibom State, security forces intensified patrols along waterways and creeks, restricting the movement of criminals and deterring illegal activities in the region.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, reaffirmed the army’s commitment to eliminating criminal activities in the hydrocarbon sector. He assured that troops would sustain their operations to protect national resources and ensure uninterrupted oil exploration in the Niger Delta.
The Nigerian Army has vowed to maintain its aggressive stance against oil theft, a crime that continues to threaten the country’s economy and environment.