The Nigerian Army’s 6 Division has intensified its fight against illegal oil activities in the Niger Delta, successfully dismantling 56 illegal refineries and recovering over 1.2 million liters of stolen crude oil in a recent operation. Seventeen suspects were also arrested during the extensive campaign conducted from November 25 to December 1, 2024.
The acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Jonah Danjuma, highlighted the division’s efforts in collaboration with other security agencies. He stated that the operations covered Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom states, targeting key sites used for oil theft and illegal refining.
In Bayelsa State, troops uncovered and destroyed 15 illegal refining sites within the Okordia Forest in Yenagoa Local Government Area. “Troops recovered over 755,000 liters of stolen crude and 53,000 liters of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO),” Danjuma said. Similar operations in the Biseni Forest yielded 34,000 liters of stolen crude and 5,500 liters of refined AGO.
Rivers State saw significant seizures, particularly in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, where an illegal connection on a government pipeline was discovered. “A ground reservoir containing 100,000 liters of stolen crude was seized,” Danjuma added. Operations in Degema Local Government Area resulted in the confiscation of 27,000 liters of stolen crude and materials used for oil theft.
Further success was recorded in Delta and Edo states. Troops dismantled a bunkering site in Ugo Community, recovering 40,000 liters of stolen products. Similarly, in Warri South Local Government Area, illegal refining sites were destroyed, and 2,000 liters of refined AGO were seized.
Akwa Ibom was not left out, as over 5,580 liters of petroleum motor spirit were intercepted at the Enwang Bridge in Mbo Local Government Area, suspected to be en route for smuggling across borders.
The General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, commended the troops for their success and reaffirmed the army’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s resources and infrastructure. “The fight against illegal oil bunkering will continue with the same intensity to ensure lasting security and stability in the Niger Delta region,” he declared.
