Troops shut down 42 illegal refinery sites, seize 197,000 litres of stolen crude

In a determined push against oil theft, troops conducting anti-bunkering operations in the Niger Delta Region (NDR) have dismantled 42 illegal oil refinery sites, arrested 29 suspects, and confiscated 197,000 litres of stolen crude oil.

The operations, carried out between December 9 and 15, 2024, also resulted in the seizure of vehicles and equipment used for illicit activities.

A statement from the Nigerian Army detailed the operation’s successes, highlighting the confiscation of 32 boats, 12 vehicles, and eight motorcycles used for illegal refining and transportation.

Significant progress was made in Bayelsa State, where multiple illegal activities were disrupted. In the Biseni Forest of Yenagoa Local Government Area (LGA), troops dismantled four newly established illegal refinery sites and recovered 37,000 litres of stolen crude oil. In the Okordia Forest near the Oando Wellhead in the Benkrukru area, 29,900 litres of stolen crude and 2,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) were seized.

Additional operations in Olukama and Sabasuo areas of Nembe LGA uncovered another illegal refinery site, yielding 5,000 litres of stolen crude.

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In Southern Ijaw’s Igbomotoru Creek, troops discovered a hidden wooden boat carrying over 1,000 litres of stolen crude oil, further disrupting illicit operations in the area.

Operations in Rivers State also recorded significant achievements. In Kula, Akuku-Toru LGA, troops dismantled three illegal refinery sites and confiscated over 30,000 litres of stolen crude oil. Along the Imo River, 13 illegal refining sites were deactivated, with more than 28,500 litres of stolen products seized. In Bille, Degema LGA, two illegal refining sites were dismantled, and two wooden boats carrying about 4,000 litres of stolen crude were intercepted.

Delta State saw additional successes. In the Aronwon Community of Warri North LGA, troops destroyed an active illegal refining site, including five ovens and a boat. They also recovered 5,000 litres of illegally refined AGO. Meanwhile, in Uvwie LGA, three tanker trucks loaded with suspected illegally refined AGO were intercepted, resulting in the arrest of five suspects.

Commending the troops for their commitment, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, General Officer Commanding the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, stated, “The troops have done an excellent job in dismantling these illegal operations, and we remain committed to sustaining these efforts to achieve our set targets for December 2024.”

The Nigerian Army has reiterated its dedication to eliminating economic sabotage and protecting the nation’s oil assets. The operations reflect a broader strategy to curb illegal activities threatening the country’s resources and economy.

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