By HeapNews
In a determined push against oil theft in the Niger Delta, troops from the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division, in collaboration with other security agencies, conducted successful operations from October 28 to November 3, 2024. These joint efforts led to the shutdown of 29 illegal refining sites, the arrest of 24 suspects, and the confiscation of over 700,000 litres of stolen oil products across Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Delta States.
The operations focused on key hotspots and yielded significant results. In Rivers State, a major breakthrough was achieved when troops intercepted a massive wooden boat loaded with over 150,000 litres of stolen crude around Kula in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area (LGA). Six suspects were arrested in connection with the operation. Additional raids in the same area led to the seizure of another boat carrying 50,000 litres of crude, the dismantling of three illegal refining sites, and the recovery of more than 20,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
Elsewhere in Akuku-Toru, specifically around Kay and Abesa, troops dismantled ten illegal refining sites and confiscated over 400,000 litres of AGO. Intelligence-led operations at the Rukpoku pipeline area revealed tanker trucks attempting to siphon crude oil, each with a capacity of 15,000 litres. Additional raids were conducted along the Imo River stretch, Bille in Degema, Egbelom Forest, and Obiafu Oil Field in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGAs, resulting in more arrests and shutdowns of illegal operations.
Bayelsa State also saw significant anti-oil theft activities. At Boma Creek in Southern Ijaw LGA, two illegal refining sites were neutralized, and wooden boats carrying 2,500 litres of stolen crude were intercepted. A further raid on Obughene Creek exposed another illegal refining site, yielding over 4,500 litres of stolen crude. Troops similarly confiscated 3,000 litres of stolen oil products at West Boma Creek.
In Akwa Ibom, two Toyota Camry vehicles, concealed with illegally refined AGO in over 85 nylon bags, were seized along Ikot Abasi-Abak road. Both drivers were detained, and the vehicles impounded.
Delta State operations led to the arrest of Stanley Asikewe, known for illegally sourcing iron pipes, and tricycle operator Jerry Okwuagu, who were intercepted at Beneku, Ndokwa West LGA, transporting stolen pipes suspected to be taken from non-operational Oando pipelines. Troops also uncovered an illegal storage facility in Patani town with over 40 jerricans of oil and discovered a wooden boat stocked with 200 sacks of premium motor spirit at Uro Community in Isoko South LGA.
All suspects have been transferred to the relevant authorities, and the seized products have been managed in line with the Nigerian Army’s operational protocols. The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 6 Division, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, commended the troops’ achievements and urged them to maintain the momentum to secure the region from oil thieves. He also called on local leaders to join the fight against illegal oil activities to protect their communities from environmental and economic harm.