The Nigerian Army troops have successfully dismantled 31 illegal refining sites and confiscated over 212,000 litres of stolen petroleum products across the Niger Delta Region.
The operation, conducted between March 3 and 9 in collaboration with other security agencies, also led to the arrest of 29 suspected oil thieves and the destruction of 26 boats used for illicit activities.
According to a statement by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 6 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah, the most significant operations took place in Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom states, where troops engaged criminals in a gun duel and forced them to flee.
Major Seizures
In Rivers State, troops uncovered and deactivated 10 illegal refining sites in Ogbonga Forest, Bonny Island Local Government Area (LGA). The raid led to the seizure of 70,000 litres of stolen crude and 10,000 litres of refined products concealed under a thick forest canopy.
Additional operations at Rumuokwurusi-Elelenwo in Obio Akpor LGA and other locations resulted in the confiscation of thousands of litres of stolen crude disguised as bakery supplies.
In Delta State, security forces intercepted a truck carrying 35,000 litres of stolen petroleum products, while in Warri South LGA, five wooden boats used for illegal refining were dismantled. Troops also discovered and destroyed three active refining sites in Obodo Omadino community.
In Bayelsa State, suspected oil thieves opened fire on troops, but the superior firepower of security forces forced them to retreat. The subsequent operation led to the recovery of 12,000 litres of stolen crude and 9,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
Troops also uncovered illegal storage sites hidden in residential buildings, where over 4,000 litres of AGO were seized.
In Akwa Ibom, over 5,600 litres of illegally refined premium motor spirit were intercepted in Oron LGA. The products were allegedly intended for smuggling to a neighbouring country.
The General Officer Commanding 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, commended the troops for their efforts and urged them to sustain the pressure on economic saboteurs.
He also warned those involved in illegal oil activities to abandon crime and seek legitimate livelihoods or face severe consequences.
Comments are closed.