Military Crushes Niger Delta Oil Thieves: 19 Arrested, 260,000 Liters Seized

Troops Smash Illegal Oil Refineries in Niger Delta

In Rivers State specifically, troops dismantled seven active illegal refining hubs in the Abesa and Kula...

Nigerian troops crack down on oil theft in Niger Delta, dismantling 43 illegal refineries, arresting 19 suspects, and confiscating over 260,000 liters of stolen products.

The Nigerian Army has made significant strides in combating illegal oil bunkering in the Niger Delta region! According to Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, troops have successfully dismantled over 43 illegal oil bunkering hubs, arrested 19 economic saboteurs, and confiscated more than 260,000 liters of stolen products between November 4-10, 2024.

The operation also resulted in the demolition of various vehicles and equipment used for stealing crude oil, including:

11 Vehicles: Used for transporting stolen oil

21 Boats: Utilized for illegal oil bunkering activities

11 Motorcycles: Employed for logistics and surveillance

In Rivers State specifically, troops dismantled seven active illegal refining hubs in the Abesa and Kula general area of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, confiscating over 60,000 liters of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).

This progress is a testament to the Nigerian Army's commitment to curbing economic sabotage and ensuring national security. The collaboration with other security agencies has been instrumental in achieving these successes, as noted by Major General Jamal, General Officer Commanding the Division.

Nigerian troops have made significant strides in combating oil theft and illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta region. Recently, they destroyed several illegal bunkering havens, three fibre boats, and five wooden boats, recovering over 41,000 litres of stolen products in the process.

Areas Targeted:

Buguma Creeks: Troops destroyed four active illegal refining hubs, eight large cooking pots, and massive receivers/reservoirs. They also intercepted three local boats stocked with over 12,500 litres of stolen products.

Odagwa, Akwa, Oza West, Oyigbo, Obozur, and Ayama: Several wooden boats carrying over 10,000 litres of stolen products were seized.

This operation is part of the ongoing efforts to curb economic sabotage and ensure national security. The troops have been working tirelessly to dismantle illegal refining sites and apprehend those involved in oil theft.