The 6th Division of the Nigerian Army has announced the destruction of 20 illegal oil refining sites, the recovery of 90,000 litres of stolen products, and the arrest of eight suspects in the Niger Delta region.
The operation, which took place from December 23-29, 2024, was conducted in collaboration with other security agencies across Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Delta States. Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, confirmed the successful raid in a statement issued in Port Harcourt.
The army’s statement outlined that the operation led to the dismantling of 20 illegal refining sites, the arrest of eight oil thieves, and the deactivation of 21 boats used in criminal activities. In addition, over 90,000 litres of stolen oil products were recovered during the ongoing anti-bunkering campaign.
Intelligence gathered around the Buguma area of Asari-Toru Local Government led to the discovery of a massive storage reservoir and a wooden boat with more than 37,000 litres of stolen condensates. Troops also engaged in a gunfight with criminals at the Ogajiama axis, successfully dismantling another refining site and confiscating 9,000 litres of illegally refined kerosene.
Further operations in other parts of the region led to the interception of illegal refining sites, stolen crude, boats, and locally-made refining ovens. Significant recoveries were made in locations like Krakrama Community, Gbede in Omoku, and Odagwa-Imo Riverside, among others.
In Bayelsa, the army dismantled an illegal refining site in Yenagoa and seized around 8,000 litres of stolen products. In Akwa Ibom, an operation led to the interception of drums containing over 11,000 litres of petrol, which was intended for smuggling.
Major General Jamal Abdussalam, General Officer Commanding 6 Division, urged the public to continue providing valuable intelligence to aid security forces in their fight against economic sabotage in the region. He also assured that the military would maintain its efforts to safeguard the Niger Delta.
