War on Oil Theft: Army Strikes, Arrests 35, Destroys 58 Refineries

Military Destroys 58 Illegal Refineries, Arrests 35 Oil Thieves

“In Rivers, troops dismantled 22 illegal refineries and confiscated 131,500...”

Nigerian Army Cracks Down on Oil Theft: 35 Arrested, 58 Illegal Refineries Destroyed in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers

The Nigerian Army has made a significant breakthrough in the fight against oil theft, arresting 35 suspected oil thieves accused of operating illegal refineries and vandalizing pipelines across four Niger Delta states: Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers.

Achievements of the Operation:

• Arrests: 35 suspected oil thieves apprehended
• Refineries Destroyed: 58 illegal artisanal refineries
• Stolen Crude Oil Seized: 11,200 litres
• Adulterated Diesel Seized: 355,000 litres

According to Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Danjuma, spokesman for the Nigerian Army's 6 Division in Port Harcourt, these successes resulted from recent raids conducted by troops. This operation demonstrates the military's commitment to combating oil theft and protecting Nigeria's natural resources.

The Nigerian Navy has also been actively involved in the fight against oil theft, with previous operations resulting in the arrest of suspected oil thieves and the destruction of illegal refineries in the Niger Delta region. The collaborative efforts of the military and naval forces aim to disrupt and dismantle the networks responsible for oil theft, ensuring the country's oil resources are protected and utilized for the benefit of all Nigerians.

“The operations were conducted between October 21 and Oct 27 as part of ongoing efforts to eliminate oil theft and illegal bunkering activities in the Niger Delta region.

“In Rivers, troops dismantled 22 illegal refineries and confiscated 131,500 litres of illegally refined diesel, 10,300 litres of condensates, and two wooden boats.

“Six suspected oil thieves were apprehended during operations in Akuku- Toru, Ahoada East, Degema, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Areas (LGA), as well as in Obiofo Oil Field, Odagwa and Imo River,” he said.

In Akwa Ibom, Nigerian troops have made significant strides in combating oil theft, dismantling 34 illicit refining sites and apprehending 27 suspects across multiple communities. The seized items include:

Illicit Goods:

• 215,000 litres of adulterated diesel
• 19 wooden boats
• 9 vehicles
• 20 nylon bags used for storing petroleum products

These successes demonstrate the military's commitment to disrupting oil theft operations in the region. This operation is part of a broader effort to combat oil theft across four Niger Delta states: Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers, where 35 suspected oil thieves were arrested.

“In Delta, we arrested two suspected oil thieves and seized 1,200 litres of crude oil, 16 cellophane bags, two wooden boats, and one vehicle in Warri South and Ethiope West LGAS.

“Operations in Bayelsa led to the destruction of two illegal refining sites and the seizure of 8,500 litres of diesel and 10,000 litres of stolen crude oil.

“At least seven wooden boats were confiscated, and three vandals were arrested during the raids in Ekeremor, Nembe, Southern Ijaw, and Yenagoa Local Government Areas,” Danjuma added.