Army Cracks Down On Oil Bunkering In Niger Delta, Dismantles Dozens Of Illegal Sites

Port Harcourt, THE NEWSHAUS – Troops from the Nigerian Army’s 6th Division, working with other security agencies, have dismantled over 32 illegal bunkering sites in the Niger Delta region, dealing a major blow to the region’s rampant oil theft.

The operations, conducted over recent weeks, have resulted in the destruction of 54 locally-made boats, the arrest of numerous suspects, and the recovery of over 250,000 liters of stolen oil products.

According to Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the crackdown targeted key areas across the Niger Delta, including Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom states.

In Rivers State, operations focused on Omoku in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, where illegal refining sites were dismantled and significant quantities of crude oil were confiscated.

A notable interception occurred near the Soku Gas Plant, where a tugboat carrying over 50,000 liters of stolen Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) was seized, and 5 crew members were arrested.

Similar operations in Bayelsa State saw the destruction of illegal refining sites in Nembe LGA and other locations, resulting in the confiscation of thousands of liters of stolen oil products.

In Delta State, troops intercepted a truck loaded with stolen condensates, arrested suspects involved in vandalism, and destroyed illegal refining equipment at multiple sites.

Akwa Ibom State also witnessed the seizure of two trucks transporting over 30,000 liters of stolen crude.

The military operation also included the destruction of equipment used in refining and transporting stolen crude, including 102 cooking drums, several dugout pits, and multiple vehicles used for conveying stolen oil.

These concerted efforts are part of ongoing military operations aimed at eradicating oil theft and restoring economic stability to the region.

The Nigerian Army is committed to continuing its fight against this illegal activity and bringing those responsible to justice.