By HeapNews
In a determined push to end illegal oil bunkering in the Niger Delta, the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division, in collaboration with other security agencies, has scored major victories against oil thieves in a week-long operation across the Joint Operations Area (JOA). Between October 21 and October 27, multiple raids across Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom States led to the arrests of 27 suspected oil thieves and the confiscation of over 215,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.
The operations included the dismantling of 34 illegal refining sites, the seizure of 19 wooden boats, eight vehicles loaded with stolen products, and the recovery of various arms and equipment used by the criminals. The scale and success of the mission underscore the Army’s intensified efforts to curb the ongoing menace of oil theft, which drains Nigeria’s resources and damages the environment.
Rivers State: A Major Hub Dismantled
In Rivers State, operations led by the 6 Division resulted in significant disruptions to illegal refining activities. Soldiers dismantled three artisanal refineries in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area (LGA), arresting several suspects and seizing over 100,000 litres of illegally refined automotive gas oil (AGO). In Degema LGA, a site containing more than 12,000 litres of stolen AGO and another boat with 7,000 litres of stolen condensates were seized, further restricting the illegal oil market in the region.
Delta State: Seizing Boats, Vandalized Pipelines, and Arms
Delta State saw a series of decisive actions, including the interception of two wooden boats attempting to siphon crude oil from a wellhead in Warri South LGA. In Ethiope West LGA, soldiers, acting on intelligence, uncovered 1,200 litres of crude oil hidden in a storage facility and arrested two suspects linked to frequent pipeline vandalism in Ndokwa West LGA.
Bayelsa State: Crude Oil Tapping and Illicit Refining Curbed
Bayelsa State remained a hotbed for illegal operations, with security forces confiscating boats loaded with over 8,500 litres of stolen crude products in areas such as Ekeremor and Nembe LGAs. In Southern Ijaw, three suspected vandals attempting to tap crude from Wellhead 5 were apprehended. An illegal connection to a wellhead owned by Agip in Yenagoa LGA led to the discovery of more than 10,000 litres of stolen crude in hidden pits.
Akwa Ibom State: Targeting Transport Networks of Stolen Products
In Akwa Ibom State, soldiers intercepted a vehicle laden with 20 nylon bags of stolen petroleum products. The ongoing patrols and surveillance in the region aim to dismantle these transport networks, cutting off key distribution channels for illegal refiners.
The General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, commended the troops’ dedication and resilience, urging them to maintain their presence to prevent further illegal activities. He stressed the importance of securing the area to support economic stability in the region.