Army Arrests Oil Thieves and Dismantles Refineries in Niger Delta

The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has reported the deactivation of three artisanal refineries, the arrest of five suspects, and the recovery of over 100,000 liters of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) in the Niger Delta region.

Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah, the Division’s Assistant Director of Public Relations, stated in a release on Sunday that one illegal refining site in Degema, containing over 12,000 liters of stolen diesel, was shut down.

Additionally, a large wooden boat loaded with over 7,000 liters of stolen condensates was intercepted, while two illegal refining sites and another wooden boat carrying over 3,000 liters of stolen products were impounded in the Bille general area of Degema Local Government.

He noted that these operations were part of a series conducted across Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Delta states.

The statement read,

“The operations conducted in Rivers State, led to the deactivation of three artisanal refineries, arrest of several oil thieves and recovery of over 100,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil around Abesa in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area (LGA). Similarly, around the Bukuma general area in Degema LGA, one illegal refining site with a large dugout containing over 12,000 litres of stolen AGO was deactivated. In addition, a large wooden boat with over 7,000 litres of stolen condensates was intercepted.

“Also, at Bille general area in Degema LGA, two illegal refining sites, a wooden boat loaded with over 3,000 litres of stolen products were handled appropriately.”

In a related operation, troops arrested five suspected oil thieves during an audacious attempt to compromise the Oando pipeline near the Obiafo Oil Field.

Several items were recovered at the site, including 11 sacks of stolen products, three drilling machines, pliers, and other tools.

“While at Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, troops arrested an oil thief with a locally-made revolver loaded with six rounds of 7. 26mm special ammunition. The same situation also happened at a wellhead in the Odagwa Community, where one dugout pit was destroyed with 5,000 litres of stolen crude recovered. Also, some quantities of stolen products stocked in Nylon bags estimated to be over 2,000 litres were recovered.

“In Ahoada East LGA, troops intercepted a Toyota Sienna without a registration number, loaded with 25 sacks containing products suspected to be condensates estimated to be over 1,500 litres. Troops also recovered one fabricated double-barrel gun. At Ahoada West LGA, troops intercepted 34 Nylon bags suspected to be 1,800 litres of stolen condensates. At the Imo Riverside, 16 illegal refining sites, 50 drum pots were destroyed, several wooden boats with over 10,000 litres of stolen products were confiscated,” among others.

Speaking about the operations, the division’s General Officer Commanding, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, commended the troops for their resilience and encouraged them to maintain dominance in the area.

He also urged them to create a conducive environment for socio-economic activities to thrive in the region.