The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, in partnership with various security agencies, has maintained its vigorous efforts in combating oil theft within the Niger Delta Region.
From December 16 to December 22, 2024, these operations resulted in the dismantling of 37 illegal refining sites, the apprehension of 10 individuals suspected of oil theft, and the recovery of more than 130,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.
Henzodaily reports that details of the operations were provided in a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma.
The statement underscored significant accomplishments, including the destruction of nine illegal refining sites located in Obiafu, within the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni (ONELGA) Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The troops also seized 176 cooking drums, numerous pumping machines, and over 60,000 litres of stolen products, which included crude oil, Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK).
According to the statement, four suspected oil thieves were apprehended at this location.
In Asari-Toru Local Government Area, three illegal refining sites and a large boat were dismantled, resulting in the recovery of 24,000 litres of stolen products.
Similarly, in Degema Local Government Area, troops neutralized illegal sites and intercepted three boats carrying over 16,000 litres of stolen crude and refined products.
Operations conducted in Ozorchi Forest in Abua/Odual and along the Imo River led to the destruction of refining equipment and the recovery of 15,000 litres of stolen products.
Additionally, troops successfully prevented attempts to vandalize pipelines and dismantled refining sites in Bayelsa State. Around Kunsho Creek in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, 2,000 litres of stolen crude were confiscated, and an abandoned effort to compromise the pipeline of Shell Petroleum Development Company was uncovered in Ekeremor Local Government Area.
The statement also noted that a tanker truck, which was positioned to siphon crude oil from a pipeline, was intercepted in the Obiukwole Community of Ethiope East Local Government Area in Delta State.
Troops discovered a concealed hose connecting the truck to the pipeline and arrested four individuals suspected of oil theft.
In Akwa Ibom State, military personnel continued their patrols throughout the rural areas and waterways to prevent criminal activities.
The General Officer Commanding of 6 Division, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, praised the troops for their dedication and encouraged them to maintain their alertness.
He assured the community that the military is steadfast in its commitment to preventing criminals from establishing a presence in the area.