The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has successfully executed a significant operation against illegal oil activities in the Niger Delta, resulting in the destruction of 20 illicit refining sites, the recovery of 90,000 litres of stolen petroleum products, and the apprehension of eight suspects. The operation, which took place between December 23 and December 29, 2024, spanned across Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Delta States, as part of ongoing efforts to combat oil theft and economic sabotage in the region.
According to a statement from Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, the Acting Deputy Director of the 6 Division Army Public Relations, the mission was a joint effort involving various security agencies. The operation’s results include the dismantling of illegal refining sites, the arrest of suspected oil thieves, and the seizure of stolen products and criminal equipment.
“Troops of the 6 Division, in collaboration with other security agencies, have intensified their efforts to disrupt illegal oil operations,” Lt. Col. Danjuma said, highlighting the destruction of 20 illegal refining sites, 21 boats, and the recovery of more than 90,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.
One of the key operations took place in Buguma, Asari-Toru Local Government Area, where troops discovered a large tarpaulin reservoir containing 37,000 litres of stolen condensates. Despite encountering armed resistance at Ogajiama in Buguma/Bakana, the troops overcame the threat and successfully dismantled an illegal refinery site, recovering 9,000 litres of refined kerosene.
The operation extended to several communities within the Niger Delta, with notable successes in various locations:
- In Krakrama Community, Degema LGA, two illegal refinery sites were uncovered, along with four fibre boats, three wooden boats, and 2,000 litres of stolen crude oil.
- In Gbede, Omoku, troops dismantled one refinery site and seized 27 locally made ovens, along with over 2,000 litres of stolen products.
- In the Imo River region, seven illegal refineries were identified, with over 10,000 litres of stolen oil products recovered.
In Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom, the Army also dismantled illegal refineries and intercepted large quantities of stolen petroleum. In Bayelsa’s Biseni Forest, troops recovered 8,000 litres of stolen products, while in Akwa Ibom, 11 drums containing 3,080 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) were seized.
In Delta State, the operation included both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies, targeting illegal activities and denying criminal groups the freedom to operate. The Army’s efforts were praised by Major General Jamal Abdussalam, the General Officer Commanding the 6 Division, who commended the troops for their dedication and success.
Major General Abdussalam called on the public to assist the Army in combating economic sabotage by providing reliable intelligence, further stressing the importance of protecting the region’s oil exploration activities.
The successful operation highlights the Army’s ongoing commitment to securing Nigeria’s oil resources and ensuring the safety of the Niger Delta region.
