The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has taken decisive action in its fight against economic sabotage by dismantling 20 illegal oil refining sites, recovering 90,000 litres of stolen petroleum products, and arresting eight suspects in the Niger Delta region.
This operation was conducted in collaboration with other security agencies, covering multiple states including Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Delta. The Nigerian Army has emphasized its commitment to curbing oil theft, environmental degradation, and other criminal activities undermining the economy of the country.
Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, the Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, shared a detailed update through a press statement issued on Sunday in Port Harcourt. According to him, the operations were carried out between December 23 and December 29, 2024, targeting critical areas where illegal bunkering and oil theft activities were rampant.
In the statement, it was revealed: “Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in coordination with other security agencies, have intensified their anti-bunkering operations across the Niger Delta. This effort led to the dismantling of 20 illegal refining sites, the seizure of 21 boats used in illicit activities, and the arrest of eight suspected oil thieves. Furthermore, over 90,000 litres of stolen petroleum products were recovered during the raids.”
Acting on credible intelligence, troops responded swiftly to reports of illegal activities near Buguma in Asari-Toru Local Government Area. During the operation, they discovered a large tarpaulin reservoir and a wooden boat containing more than 37,000 litres of stolen condensates. These were immediately confiscated, disrupting the operations of the criminal network in the area.
The statement added: “In the Ogajiama area of Buguma/Bakana in Asari-Toru LGA, troops encountered resistance from criminal elements who engaged in a gunfight but were overpowered by the superior firepower of the military. Subsequently, an illegal refining site was destroyed, along with a large pot and a receiver containing 9,000 litres of illegally refined dual-purpose kerosene. Additionally, three locally made boats attempting to load crude oil from an abandoned wellhead were intercepted, resulting in the arrest of three suspects.”
Further operations in the Krakrama Community of Degema LGA led to the interception of two illegal refining sites, four fibre boats, three wooden boats, and approximately 2,000 litres of stolen crude oil. In another operation at Gbede, Omoku, troops dismantled one illegal refining site, confiscated 27 locally made ovens, and seized 31 sacks containing over 2,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.
In Etche LGA, specifically in the Odagwa-Imo Riverside area, troops discovered another illegal refining site. The site contained two drum pots, a wooden boat, and over 3,500 litres of stolen products. Similarly, in the Imo River region, seven illegal refining sites were uncovered along with six boats, 122 drum pots, 49 drum receivers, and more than 10,000 litres of stolen crude oil.
In Bayelsa State, at Biseni Forest in Yenagoa LGA, troops dismantled an illegal refining site and seized around 8,000 litres of stolen products. During the operation, an attempt to vandalize an inactive Shell Petroleum Development Company flowline at Well 20, Opukushi in Ekeremor LGA, was also thwarted.
Meanwhile, in Akwa Ibom State, troops intercepted 11 drums containing 3,080 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at Enwang II in Mbo LGA. A follow-up operation led to the discovery of an additional 31 drums of PMS, totaling 8,680 litres, at Dazele Filling Station in Ibaka. Preliminary investigations revealed that the products were intended for smuggling to a neighboring country.
In Delta State, both kinetic and non-kinetic operations were carried out to prevent criminal elements from operating freely. These measures are part of the broader strategy to ensure the security of oil exploration and other economic activities in the region.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, lauded the troops for their vigilance and resilience in the fight against economic sabotage. He encouraged them to sustain their efforts and urged members of the public to provide actionable intelligence that could aid in curbing the activities of economic saboteurs.
