Troops Strike Big: Nigerian Army Crushes Illegal Oil Bunkering Networks
By Matthew Eloyi
The Nigerian Army’s 6 Division has intensified its anti-illegal oil bunkering operations, achieving significant breakthroughs in its latest operations conducted between December 2 and 8, 2024. The Division dismantled 19 illegal refining sites, arrested several suspects, confiscated over 170,000 litres of stolen petroleum products, and demobilised 21 boats used for crude oil theft across its Area of Responsibility.
Rivers State: Major Recoveries and Arrests
In Rivers State, troops intercepted several Cotonou boats, including one fully loaded with over 34,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) at Okarki in Ahoada West Local Government Area (LGA). At Ogbonga Forest in Bonny Island LGA, an illegal refining site containing over 30,000 litres of stolen crude oil was uncovered.
In Degema and Asari-Toru LGAs, troops discovered a large pot filled with unquantified stolen crude oil. Similarly, at Okrika LGA, they found an illegal connection point with a valve on an NNPC pipeline. The site had a 2,000-meter-long hose connected to a storage pit holding over 20,000 litres of stolen crude. Troops also confiscated three receivers and six locally made boats with 14,000 litres of stolen crude oil.
In Amoha-Mgbede, an illegal refining site was discovered with 16 locally made metal oven drums, 211 sacks containing over 13,000 litres of stolen crude, and 20 sacks loaded with 1,200 litres of illegally refined AGO.
Foiled Pipeline Vandalisms
At Idu Flow Station in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, troops disrupted an attempt to vandalise Oando’s pipeline. Although one suspect escaped into the bush, another was apprehended. Recovered items included pliers, a saw, a hammer, and fabricated pipes used for tampering with pipelines.
In Kula, Akuku-Toru LGA, troops arrested two suspects aboard a wooden boat loaded with vandalised pipeline rails and cylinders hidden under sacks of periwinkles. The suspects were handed over to the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for prosecution.
Bayelsa State: Busting Refining Sites
In Bayelsa, troops deactivated an illegal refining site containing over 2,000 litres of illegally refined AGO at Kalabilema in Nembe. Additionally, at Igbomotoru Creek in Southern Ijaw LGA, an illegal refining site and a wooden boat suspected to be used for oil theft were intercepted.
Akwa Ibom: Smuggling Operations Foiled
In Akwa Ibom, intelligence-led operations at Enwang II, Mbo LGA, resulted in the interception of 43 drums containing a total of 12,040 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) being prepared for smuggling to a neighbouring country.
Delta State: Arrests and Recoveries
In Delta State, troops arrested four suspects in Koko, Warri LGA, for transporting 35 drums of black oil (over 7,000 litres) in a Mercedes Benz truck. In Ugbokodo, Okpe LGA, troops recovered sacks containing over 2,000 litres of stolen crude.
At Idemili Community in Ndokwa West LGA, a compromised NNPC/PAN Ocean pipeline was discovered with an installed valve and pipes for siphoning crude. The vandals fled upon sighting the troops. Recovered items included pipes, welding cables, shovels, and other tools.
Sustaining the Momentum
The Nigerian Army’s operations demonstrate its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s oil infrastructure. The successes recorded underscore the effectiveness of ongoing anti-illegal oil bunkering efforts, with the authorities vowing to sustain the momentum in combating economic sabotage.