The Nigerian Army and security agencies have arrested 27 suspects involved in illegal oil activities across the Niger Delta.
In a crackdown on oil theft, security agencies collaborated with the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army to uncover 34 illegal refinery sites and seize 215,000 litres of stolen crude oil.
According to the Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah, 19 boats and eight vehicles were destroyed. At the same time, various arms and ammunition were recovered during operations conducted from October 21–27, 2024.
Key highlights include:
- Deactivation of three artisanal refineries and arrest of suspects with over 100,000 litres of refined gas oil in Rivers State.
- Confiscation of a large wooden boat carrying 7,000 litres of stolen condensates in Degema LGA.
- Apprehension of five suspects in an attempt to vandalise the Oando pipeline with seized items, including stolen products and drilling equipment.
- Discovery of 16 illegal refining sites in Imo Riverside, Bayelsa, where 50 drum pots and over 10,000 litres of stolen oil were seized.
Major General Jamal Abdussalam, the General Officer Commanding the 6 Division, praised the soldiers for their determination and encouraged them to continue working to establish a safe and economically stable environment in the region.