The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has reported significant achievements in its operations in the Niger Delta region. Troops were able to recover 1.2 million liters of stolen crude oil, dismantle 56 illegal refineries, and apprehend 17 suspected oil thieves. The operations conducted in states like Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom resulted in the destruction of 88 cooking drums and 20 boats used for illegal activities.
The Acting Deputy Director of the 6 Division Army Public Relations, Jonah Danjuma, shared this information in a statement released in Port Harcourt. The intensified efforts against illegal oil bunkering led to successful raids on various illegal bunkering sites between November 25 and December 1, 2024.
During these operations, troops deactivated numerous illegal oil bunkering sanctuaries, seized stolen crude oil, arrested suspects, intercepted vehicles, discovered illegal connection points, and confiscated equipment used for economic sabotage. Specific details included the deactivation of illegal refining sites and recovery of stolen products in different locations.
In Bayelsa State, illegal refining sites were shut down, and stolen crude oil and illegally refined products were recovered. Similar successful operations were carried out in Rivers State, where illegal connections to government pipelines were discovered and large quantities of stolen products were confiscated.
Operations extended to other areas, resulting in the dismantling of illegal refining sites, seizure of stolen goods, and arrests of suspects involved in economic sabotage. Troops also intercepted vehicles transporting stolen products in Delta State and Edo State.
In Akwa Ibom, troops acted on intelligence to intercept drums of petroleum motor spirit being prepared for smuggling to a neighboring country. Major General Jamal Abdussalam, the General Commanding Officer of the 6 Division, commended the troops for their accomplishments and assured that the fight against illegal oil bunkering would continue to secure critical national infrastructures within the Division’s area of responsibility.