The Nigerian Army has dismantled 20 illegal refining sites and apprehended 11 suspected operators during recent raids in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers statesThe operations also led to the confiscation of 31 boats, seven vehicles, and 190,000 litres of various petroleum productsMaj.-Gen. Jamal Abdussalam has urged troops to continue their efforts to eradicate all illegal refining sites in 2025
The Nigerian Army has reported a significant crackdown on illegal oil refining operations, dismantling 20 illegal refining sites and apprehending 11 suspected operators during ongoing raids in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers states.
The operations, carried out between December 30 and January 5, led to the confiscation of 31 boats, seven vehicles, and 190,000 litres of various petroleum products.
Nigerian army arrests illegal refinery operators. Photo credit: HQNigerianArmy/X
Source: Facebook
Oil Sewage Discovered
Lt.-Col. Danjuma Danjuma, the spokesman for the Nigerian Army 6 Division in Port Harcourt, stated that troops discovered four oil sewage tanks containing over 70,000 litres of stolen crude oil at Oando Wellhead in Benkrukru, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
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Additionally, they recovered 700 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) packed in sacks and a suction machine.
Further operations in the Amalaghakiri community of Nembe led to the destruction of two illegal refining sites and the seizure of 15,000 litres of unidentified petroleum products.
In Oyeregbene, Southern Ijaw, soldiers dismantled an illegal artisanal refinery, confiscating 1,500 litres of stolen products.
In Omoku, Rivers, troops disrupted oil thieves siphoning petroleum products, discovering an illegal connection point on the Oando Pipeline in Ebocha and seizing four boats carrying over 22,000 litres of stolen products.
Dismantling of Ilegal Refineries
Further operations in Obiafu oil field and Mbgede in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni led to the dismantling of four illegal refineries and the confiscation of five wooden boats, 108 locally made ovens, and 38,000 litres of petroleum products.
Additional raids in Ozaa West, Obuzor, and Okoloma communities resulted in the dismantling of two illegal refineries. Seized items included 32 drum pots, 21 drum receivers, two pumping machines, and 13,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.
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Routine patrols along the Pan Ocean Nigeria Ltd. pipeline in Ivada, Ethiope West, intercepted vehicles transporting 15 cellophane bags containing 7,500 litres of stolen products, and 2,500 litres of crude oil were seized at Ikengbensi waterways in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta.
Maj.-Gen. Jamal Abdussalam, the General Officer Commanding the division, has urged troops to intensify their efforts to eradicate all illegal refining sites across Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers states in 2025.
The suspects apprehended during these operations will be taken to court to defend the allegations.
Read the full statement below:
“At Oando Wellhead in Benkrukru, within the Okordia general area of Yenagoa, Bayelsa state, troops discovered four oil sewage tanks containing over 70,000 litres of stolen crude oil. We also recovered 700 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) packed in sacks, along with a suction machine.
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“In Omoku, Rivers, troops interrupted oil thieves siphoning petroleum products. The suspects fled before we arrived.
“At the scene, we discovered an illegal connection point on the Oando Pipeline in Ebocha, and seized four boats carrying over 22,000 litres of stolen products.
“In Obiafu oil field and Mbgede in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, troops dismantled four illegal refineries and confiscated five wooden boats, 108 locally made ovens, and 38,000 litres of petroleum products.
“Other seized items included 32 drum pots, 21 drum receivers, two pumping machines, and 13,000 litres of stolen petroleum products. Two J5 Boxer vehicles were found transporting 15 cellophane bags containing 7,500 litres of stolen products.
“Additionally, 2,500 litres of crude oil were seized at Ikengbensi waterways in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta. Eight drums, holding approximately 2,240 litres of petrol were intercepted at Ibaka, Akwa Ibom, awaiting smuggling to a neighbouring country.”
Military Destroys 37 Illegal Refineries
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Henzodaily.ng reported that Troops of the Nigerian Army, 6 Division, have successfully dismantled 37 illegal refining sites across Niger Delta.
They seized six boats, arrested ten suspected oil thieves, and recovered over 130,000 litres of stolen products.
The soldiers recorded significant milestones in the fight against oil theft in collaboration with other security agencies.
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Source: Henzodaily.ng