By BARBARA KALU, Port-Harcourt –
Nigerian Army’s 6 Division has arrested 62 individuals linked to oil theft, vandalism, and related crimes in the Niger Delta, confiscating over 350,000 litres of stolen petroleum products in a series of operations.
In a statement released on Sunday, Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, detailed the efforts conducted between July 14 and July 20 across Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom states in collaboration with other security agencies.
“Our troops have relentlessly targeted illegal bunkering networks, dismantling their operations and disrupting their supply chains,” Danjuma said.
The operations resulted in the deactivation of 14 illegal refining sites, the seizure of five boats, and the arrest of 62 suspected economic saboteurs.
In Rivers State, troops shut down six illegal refining sites near an abandoned wellhead in Joinkrama 4, Ahoada West Local Government Area (LGA).
They seized approximately 300,000 litres of stolen crude oil and 21,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), along with six large ovens, reservoirs, a generator set, a welding machine, and several shovels.
In Obiafor, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, troops uncovered three dug-out pits containing 5,700 litres of stolen crude and an unquantified amount of AGO, while intercepting two boats carrying ten sacks of condensates.
Additionally, in Elele Town, Ikwerre LGA, a Sienna vehicle without a registration number was seized with 32 sacks containing over 1,920 litres of stolen AGO. Troops also discovered an illegal connection point with a pit holding over 1,200 litres of condensates, alongside three 150-meter-long hoses, eight metal drums, and several ovens used for illicit refining.
In Bayelsa’s Biseni, Yenagoa LGA, four illegal refining sites and four dug-out pits were dismantled, with over 10,000 litres of stolen AGO confiscated and five cooking ovens destroyed. In Delta’s Sapele LGA, acting on a tip-off, troops arrested two suspected oil thieves and seized two boats carrying 30 cellophane bags with over 1,500 litres of illegally refined AGO.
Danjuma noted that troops are actively patrolling creeks and rivulets to curb economic sabotage, particularly in Akwa Ibom, where they have significantly restricted criminal activities. Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Emekah, General Officer Commanding 6 Division, praised the troops’ achievements.
“I commend our soldiers for their unwavering commitment and urge them to maintain this momentum to ensure criminals have no room to operate,” Emekah said.
