Kehinde Fajobi
Troops from the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, have arrested 29 suspected oil thieves and seized over 60,000 litres of stolen petroleum products in the Niger Delta region.
The operation also led to the destruction of 24 illegal refineries and the demobilisation of 11 boats used by the criminals.
Lt Col Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of the 6 Division Army Public Relations, confirmed the success of the operation, which took place along the Imo River.
The troops deactivated six illegal refining sites, destroying 113 drum pots and 83 drum receivers, and seized 18,000 litres of stolen oil.
In Obigbo Local Government Area, the troops uncovered a reservoir containing more than 1,000 litres of stolen products and 100 sacks filled with over 1,500 litres of crude.
“The operations were conducted at different times around Okoloma, Obuzor, Lekuma, Abiama, Asa and Ukwa general areas,” Lt Col Danjuma said.
He added that in Buguma, Asari-Toru LGA, one illegal site was dismantled, with two big pots and two receivers confiscated, one of which held over 9,000 litres of stolen crude.
Further operations around Ebocha Well 5 revealed an active illegal refining site, where 28 empty locally made ovens and reservoirs filled with 5,900 and 3,500 litres of illegally refined AGO and crude oil were seized. One suspected thief was arrested.
Along Kumufari Creek, Akuku-Toru LGA, another illegal refining site was destroyed, with over 1,500 litres of stolen products confiscated.
READ ALSO: Army Dismantles 34 Illegal Refineries, Arrests Oil Thieves in Niger Delta
In Delta State, a sting operation at Okpai Oluchi community led to the confiscation of 2,800 litres of stolen oil, with over 70 sacks seized along SEEPCO Energy’s pipeline.
In Isoko South LGA, troops intercepted a suspected oil thief’s vehicle, abandoning 15 sacks of illegally refined AGO.
In Bayelsa, troops destroyed two illegal refining sites and seized 2,500 litres of AGO in sacks across various areas.
Operations in Akwa Ibom State continue to restrict criminal activity in the region.