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Military Destroys Illegal Refineries, Arrests Oil Thieves in Niger Delta

Published

Monday, October 28, 2024 at 12:40 PM

Written by Brenda Izu

Military Destroys Illegal Refineries, Arrests Oil Thieves in Niger Delta

The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, based in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has conducted a successful series of operations across the Niger Delta, targeting illegal oil refining activities and arresting suspected oil thieves.

The efforts by the army resulted in the de-activation of three artisanal refineries, the arrest of five suspects, and the recovery of over 100,000 liters of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly referred to as diesel.

According to a statement released late Sunday by the Division’s Assistant Director of Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah, the anti-bunkering operations took place in Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Delta states.

The Statement said the operations was aimed at combating the growing incidence of illegal oil refining and theft, which have negatively impacted the region’s environment and economy. “These operations conducted in Rivers State led to the deactivation of three artisanal refineries, arrest of several oil thieves, and recovery of over 100,000 liters of illegally refined AGO around Abesa in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area (LGA),” the statement noted.

The Statement emphasised that One of the sites dismantled was an illegal refinery located in Degema, where security forces found a dugout with more than 12,000 liters of stolen diesel.

Additionally, a large wooden boat carrying over 7,000 liters of stolen condensates was intercepted. In the Bille area of Degema LGA, two other illicit refining sites were neutralized, and a wooden boat loaded with more than 3,000 liters of stolen petroleum products was seized.

The Nigerian Army also thwarted a sophisticated attempt to breach the Oando pipeline near the Obiafo Oil Field, leading to the arrest of five suspected oil thieves. Items recovered at the site included 11 sacks of stolen products, drilling machinery, and various tools.

Further operations by the uniform men in the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA led to the capture of another suspect, who was found in possession of a locally-made revolver loaded with six rounds of 7.26mm special ammunition. In Ahoada East LGA, troops seized a Toyota Sienna vehicle without a registration plate, loaded with 25 sacks of condensates. Meanwhile, in Ahoada West LGA, 34 sacks containing an estimated 1,800 liters of stolen products were confiscated, alongside other items.

In addition , the statement revealed that the troops disabled 16 illegal refining sites at the Imo Riverside, destroying 50 drum pots and seizing multiple wooden boats laden with more than 10,000 liters of stolen petroleum.

Meanwhile, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, the General Officer Commanding of the division, praised the troops’ dedication and urged continued vigilance.

He emphasized the importance of these efforts in restoring peace and promoting economic stability in the region, ensuring a safe environment conducive to lawful business and development.

Edited By: Chinedu Eze

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Military Destroys Illegal Refineries, Arrests Oil Thieves in Niger Delta

The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, based in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has conducted a successful series of operations across the Niger Delta, targeting illegal oil refining activities and arresting suspected oil thieves.

The efforts by the army resulted in the de-activation of three artisanal refineries, the arrest of five suspects, and the recovery of over 100,000 liters of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly referred to as diesel.

According to a statement released late Sunday by the Division’s Assistant Director of Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah, the anti-bunkering operations took place in Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Delta states.

The Statement emphasised that One of the sites dismantled was an illegal refinery located in Degema, where security forces found a dugout with more than 12,000 liters of stolen diesel.

Additionally, a large wooden boat carrying over 7,000 liters of stolen condensates was intercepted. In the Bille area of Degema LGA, two other illicit refining sites were neutralized, and a wooden boat loaded with more than 3,000 liters of stolen petroleum products was seized.

The Nigerian Army also thwarted a sophisticated attempt to breach the Oando pipeline near the Obiafo Oil Field, leading to the arrest of five suspected oil thieves. Items recovered at the site included 11 sacks of stolen products, drilling machinery, and various tools.

In addition , the statement revealed that the troops disabled 16 illegal refining sites at the Imo Riverside, destroying 50 drum pots and seizing multiple wooden boats laden with more than 10,000 liters of stolen petroleum.

Meanwhile, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, the General Officer Commanding of the division, praised the troops’ dedication and urged continued vigilance.

He emphasized the importance of these efforts in restoring peace and promoting economic stability in the region, ensuring a safe environment conducive to lawful business and development.

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