By HeapNews
In the latest anti-illegal oil bunkering operations across the Niger Delta, Nigerian troops have achieved a series of successful raids, dismantling over 43 illegal oil bunkering hubs, arresting 19 suspects, and confiscating more than 260,000 litres of stolen oil products. The operations, conducted from November 4 to 10, 2024, targeted notorious areas across the region, aiming to curb the theft of Nigeria’s vital crude resources.
The multi-location raids resulted in the capture of 11 vehicles, 21 boats, and 11 motorcycles used in crude oil theft, along with the dismantling of bunkering sites. Troops also destroyed various equipment critical to the operations, including fibre boats, storage tanks, and pumping machines.
While addressing the troops’ accomplishments, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, General Officer Commanding, 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, praised the soldiers for their commitment and resilience. “These successes are a testament to our troops’ dedication to the security and economic well-being of the Niger Delta,” said Abdussalam. “We must sustain this momentum to rid our communities of economic saboteurs who are crippling our national oil production.”
In Rivers State, troops dismantled seven illegal refining hubs around the Abesa and Kula areas in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area (LGA), seizing over 60,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). Similar operations across Cawthorne Channel and Buguma Creeks led to the destruction of illegal bunkering havens and recovery of an additional 41,000 litres of stolen products.
Operations extended to Akwa Ibom, Delta, and Bayelsa States, with troops intercepting tanker trucks and other vehicles containing stolen oil. In Bayelsa’s Ogbia LGA, a vehicle with 1,500 litres of stolen AGO and three suspects were seized. An illegal dump along Sangana River, used for storing stolen oil, was also destroyed.
The General Officer Commanding assured that these actions signal a strong stance against illegal bunkering, aiming to secure oil production for Nigeria’s economic future. “This operation sends a clear message: we are committed to shutting down oil theft and ensuring stability in the Niger Delta,” added Abdussalam.