Troops Intensify Crackdown on Oil Thieves in Niger Delta, Deactivate 46 Illegal Refining Sites
By Matthew Eloyi
In a week-long operation, troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, have ramped up efforts to combat illegal oil bunkering across the Niger Delta region, recording significant breakthroughs in the fight against economic sabotage.
The operations, conducted from November 11 to 17, 2024, led to the deactivation of 46 illegal refining sites and 47 boats used for transporting stolen crude. Troops also recovered over 95,000 liters of stolen petroleum products and apprehended 28 suspects involved in oil theft.
In Rivers State, troops acted on intelligence about saboteurs along Oando Pipeline in Ebocha, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA). Upon arrival, they encountered armed vandals who fled after an intense firefight. The troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, a loaded magazine with 17 rounds of ammunition, and other items abandoned by the fleeing criminals.
At Obiafu-Ndoni, large wooden boats containing 28,320 liters of stolen crude in 472 sacks were intercepted, and seven suspects were arrested. Additional operations in Buguma, Asari-Toru LGA, led to the dismantling of illegal refining sites and the recovery of 9,500 liters of stolen products.
In Degema LGA, operations in Tuma and Krakrama yielded the destruction of boats and confiscation of over 10,500 liters of stolen Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). Similar success was recorded at Bille, where troops intercepted a wooden boat hiding over 2,500 liters of stolen products. At Obiafu Oil Field, 7,000 liters of stolen products were discovered.
Clearance operations along the Imo River stretch led to the destruction of 16 boats, 15 illegal refining sites, and recovery of 12,000 liters of stolen products. Additionally, over 13,000 liters of stolen products were seized during operations in Omoku and Obiafu Otuwa in ONELGA.
In Bayelsa State, troops deactivated illegal refining sites and intercepted stolen products across Ekeremor, Nembe, and Ogbia LGAs. At Tunu and Clough Creeks, 6,000 liters of stolen products were recovered, while operations in Nembe and Ogbia LGAs yielded 3,500 liters of AGO and the recovery of 600 vandalized pipes belonging to Shell Petroleum Development Company.
Delta State also saw significant action. Troops intercepted a Sienna bus with 28 bags of stolen AGO in Isoko South LGA. At Afiesere in Ughelli North LGA, a breach on a pipeline owned by Heritage Oil Company was discovered.
In Akwa Ibom State, security forces arrested five suspects and confiscated over 2,160 liters of stolen AGO during operations in Ikot Abasi LGA.
Major General Jamal Abdussalam, General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, reiterated the Army’s commitment to safeguarding critical national infrastructure and eliminating economic saboteurs. “These operations will ensure increased oil output and a safer Niger Delta region,” he stated.
All recovered products and arrested suspects have been handed over to relevant authorities for prosecution.