Crude Oil Heist Foiled: Army Destroys Illegal Refineries in Niger Delta

Nigerian Army Cracks Down on Oil Thieves, Destroys Illegal Refineries

“Troops deactivated eight illegal refining sites in the Buguma Creeks area of Asari- Toru Local Government Area, recovering over...”

The Nigerian Army's anti-oil theft operations have yielded significant results, with multiple illegal refineries destroyed and thousands of liters of stolen crude seized.

The Nigerian Army's 6 Division has achieved a significant milestone in its fight against oil theft. In a series of clearance operations across the Niger Delta region, the division successfully dismantled 34 illegal refining sites and apprehended 11 suspected oil thieves.

The operations, which took place from November 18 to 24, 2024, covered several states, including Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, and Akwa Ibom. According to Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 6 Division, the operations resulted in the recovery of over 80,650 litres of stolen crude oil and refined petroleum products.

Significant achievements were made in Rivers State, with notable successes in the fight against illegal refining and oil theft. According to reports, “Troops deactivated eight illegal refining sites in the Buguma Creeks area of Asari- Toru Local Government Area, recovering over 25,000 litres of stolen products.” This operation not only disrupted illegal activities but also resulted in the recovery of substantial amounts of stolen products.

Further successes were recorded at lyalama/Bakana, where troops discovered a wellhead used as a loading point, along with several cooking pots, receivers, and four wooden boats. The operation led to the confiscation of over 8,000 litres of stolen products. Additionally, near Ogaji- Ama in Buguma South-East, Rivers State, troops intercepted two wooden boats loaded with approximately 3,000 liters of stolen crude oil. These efforts demonstrate the commitment to combating oil theft and illegal refining in the region.

Highlighting the successes of the Nigerian Army's operations in Bayelsa State, Lt. Col. Danjuma reported that troops made several significant seizures. In Ekeremor Local Government Area, specifically at Clough Creek, troops intercepted a wooden boat loaded with 2,500 liters of stolen crude oil. This operation demonstrates the army's commitment to combating oil theft in the region.

In another operation, troops dismantled an illegal refining site in Nembe Local Government Area, near Sangakubu. During this operation, 1,500 liters of stolen products were confiscated. This success highlights the effectiveness of the army's efforts to disrupt illegal refining activities in the area.

Furthermore, in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, troops discovered additional illegal refining sites and seized a wooden boat containing an unspecified quantity of stolen products. These products were handled promptly in accordance with established protocols. These operations demonstrate the army's dedication to eradicating oil theft and illegal refining in Bayelsa State.

In a related development, Lt. Col. Danjuma noted that troops also intercepted over 2,500 liters of stolen crude oil stored at a hotel in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State. This operation highlights the army's commitment to combating oil theft across the region.

In Edo State, a significant operation was conducted in Abe Community, located in Orhiomwon Local Government Area. The outcome was the successful interception of two vehicles loaded with stolen petroleum products. This achievement demonstrates the effectiveness of the military's efforts to combat oil theft and related criminal activities in the region.

In Akwa Ibom State, the Army has intensified its operations to assert control over both land and waterways. According to Lt. Col. Danjuma, the military has maintained relentless pressure on criminal activities in the region. This increased military presence aims to disrupt and dismantle illegal operations, ensuring a safer and more secure environment for the local population.