The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has reported the successful destruction of 18 illegal refineries, the arrest of 12 suspects, and the recovery of 138,000 liters of stolen products in the Niger Delta region. This achievement was made possible through a collaborative operation with various security agencies in the area.
The Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, announced these results following a week-long operation conducted in Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Delta states. The operations led to the dismantling of 19 artisanal refineries, the arrest of 12 suspected oil thieves, and the seizure of over 138,000 liters of stolen products.
Additionally, several intelligence-led operations were carried out in Rivers State, resulting in the interception of a tanker carrying 60,000 liters of stolen crude. The operations also led to the deactivation of numerous artisanal refineries, recovery of stolen products, and the confiscation of equipment used by suspected oil thieves in various locations.
Troops raided illegal bunkering camps, destroyed illegal refining sites, and recovered stolen crude and other items in Joinkrama, Biseni, Obiafu, Masogar, and Iko-Okorete Communities, among other areas in the region. The suspects arrested during the operations have been handed over for prosecution, while the confiscated items and products have been managed as per operational protocols.
The General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, urged the troops to intensify efforts in combating crude oil theft in the region and encouraged the public to continue providing valuable information on criminal activities to ensure effective action by security agencies.