By HeapNews
In a series of coordinated operations aimed at tackling illegal oil bunkering and economic sabotage, troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division have recorded significant successes across the Niger Delta. Over the past week, the army deactivated more than 15 illegal refining sites, dismantled over 30 cooking pots used for illegal refining, and arrested 10 suspects involved in oil theft. These operations spanned several states, including Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom.
In Rivers State, troops acted on intelligence to intercept a truck with registration number GDD 831 ZN, loaded with 40,000 liters of stolen crude, at SIAT Farm in Elele, Ikwerre Local Government Area (LGA). Further operations at Sankri in Okrika LGA led to the deactivation of three illegal refining sites and the destruction of two wooden boats containing 26,500 liters of stolen products. In Degema LGA, around the Dapama and Bille areas, four more illegal refining sites were deactivated, and troops intercepted wooden boats stocked with 10,000 liters of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and 6,000 liters of stolen crude.
Troops extended their operations to the Imo River region, where they identified and dismantled illegal refining sites in Okoloma, Obuzor, and Ukwa Creeks. The operation saw the destruction of one large refining pot, 30 cooking drum pots, and four wooden boats, while 15,000 liters of stolen crude were confiscated.
In a related development, at Freedom Kula in Akuku-Toru LGA, troops discovered a site where pipelines had been vandalized. During the operation, they recovered three gas cylinders and arrested one suspect. Further arrests were made in the Ogba/Ndoni/Egbema LGA, where four suspects were apprehended with 4,000 liters of stolen condensate in a Toyota Camry with registration number ZKW 648 AA. A tricycle was also seized.
Bayelsa State also witnessed a clampdown, with troops deactivating illegal refining sites in the Sabasuo general area of Nembe LGA, recovering 2,800 liters of stolen products. In Southern Ijaw’s Amalakiri area, an active illegal refining site was destroyed, and 2,500 liters of stolen products were seized. Around Idewa/Waribokiri in Ogbia LGA, a wooden boat carrying 1,800 liters of stolen AGO was intercepted.
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Operations continued in Delta State, where a trailer with registration number JJN 167 ZU Plateau was caught siphoning crude from a Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) oil pipeline at Ozoro in Isoko North LGA. Two suspects were arrested in connection with the crime. Vehicles loaded with stolen products were also intercepted in follow-up operations in Ika South LGA of Delta State and Ugo Community in Orhiomwon, Edo State.
Troops also achieved success in Akwa Ibom State, where they intercepted three drums of premium motor spirit (PMS) suspected to be prepared for smuggling at the fringes of the Oron waterways. The Nigerian Army continues to maintain vigilance across the Niger Delta, denying oil thieves and economic saboteurs the freedom to operate.
The army’s anti-bunkering operations are part of a broader effort to curb the economic losses caused by oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the region, which have severely impacted Nigeria’s oil revenues. The ongoing crackdown has been described as one of the most significant in recent times, as troops remain committed to enforcing the government’s mandate to protect the country’s oil infrastructure.