Nigerian Army Strikes Hard Against Oil Thieves In Niger Delta, Recovers 115,000 Litres Of Stolen Crude

The Nigerian Army’s 6 Division has launched a series of raids throughout the Niger Delta, destroying over 15 illegal refining sites, apprehending 10 suspects, and seizing over 115,000 litres of stolen crude oil—dealing a serious blow to illegal oil bunkering operations.

The crackdown, part of ongoing efforts to combat economic sabotage, has seen the army seize a significant arsenal of illicit tools, including 30 cooking pots, 11 vehicles, and multiple boats used in these operations.

The operations, conducted in collaboration with local communities, have yielded impressive results across various states.

In Rivers State, troops intercepted a truck carrying 40,000 litres of stolen crude at SIAT Farm in Elele. Further operations in Okrika LGA led to the dismantling of three illegal refining sites and the seizure of 26,500 litres of stolen products.

Similar successes were achieved in Degema LGA, where troops destroyed four illegal refining sites and recovered over 16,000 litres of stolen crude and Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).

The army’s efforts extended to the Imo River, where several makeshift camps, wooden boats, and cooking equipment were destroyed. Troops also confiscated 15,000 litres of stolen crude at Okoloma, Obuzor, and Ukwa Creeks.

A pipeline vandalization site in Akuku-Toru LGA was also uncovered, resulting in the arrest of one suspect and the seizure of three gas cylinders.

Delta State saw the interception of a trailer siphoning crude from a pipeline in Ozoro, Isoko North LGA, leading to the arrest of two suspects.

Similar operations in Ika South LGA and Orhiomwon, Edo State, resulted in the recovery of vehicles filled with stolen products.

Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom States also saw successful raids. In Nembe LGA, Bayelsa State, troops recovered over 2,800 litres of stolen crude, while another 2,500 litres were confiscated in Southern Ijaw.

In Akwa Ibom State, troops intercepted drums of premium motor spirit near Oron waterways, likely destined for smuggling to neighbouring countries.

Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 6 Division, Lieut. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, lauded the success of the operations, highlighting the military’s unwavering commitment to eradicating illegal oil bunkering and safeguarding the nation’s resources.

He emphasised that the army will continue its relentless pursuit of economic saboteurs, denying them the freedom to operate and ensuring that Nigeria’s valuable resources remain protected.

This latest crackdown on oil theft signifies a strong stance by the Nigerian Army against this criminal activity.

It serves as a warning to all involved in illegal bunkering that their actions will not go unpunished.

Recovered barrels of stolen oil

The recovery of significant amounts of stolen crude and the dismantling of numerous illegal refining sites demonstrate the army’s commitment to curbing this detrimental economic practice and ensuring that the nation’s wealth benefits its citizens.