The Nigerian Army’s 6 Division troops, along with other security forces, have maintained their momentum in the battle against oil theft in the Niger Delta.
Over 130,000 gallons of stolen petroleum products were recovered, 10 suspected oil thieves were arrested, and 37 illegal refining installations were dismantled as a result of the operations, which took place between December 16 and 22, 2024.
The forces also discovered a disguised hose connected the truck to the pipeline and arrested four accused oil thieves in Delta.
The details were revealed in a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations.
The statement also pointed out major achievements of the operation, including destroying nine illegal refining sites at Obiafu in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni (ONELGA) LGA, Rivers State. Troops also confiscated 176 cooking drums, several pumping machines, and over 60,000 litres of stolen products, including crude oil, automotive gas oil (AGO), and dual-purpose kerosene (DPK). Four suspected oil thieves were arrested at the site.
In Asari-Toru LGA, three illegal refining sites and a large boat were dismantled with 24,000 litres of stolen products recovered.
Similarly, at Degema LGA, troops deactivated illegal sites and intercepted three boats carrying over 16,000 litres of stolen crude and refined products. Operations at Ozorchi Forest in Abua/Odual and along Imo River led to the destruction of refining equipment and recovery of 15,000 litres of stolen products.
In Bayelsa State, troops also stopped attempts to demolish refineries and damage pipelines. An unsuccessful attempt to breach Shell Petroleum Development Company’s pipeline was found in Ekeremor LGA, while 2,000 litres of stolen petroleum were seized near Kunsho Creek in Southern Ijaw LGA.
The statement claims that at Obiukwole Community, Ethiope East LGA of Delta State, a tanker truck was stopped while it was positioned to syphon crude oil from a pipeline.
At this point, the forces apprehended four suspected oil thieves after finding a hidden hose connecting the truck to the pipeline.
Meanwhile, in Akwa Ibom State, the Army maintained patrols across the hinterlands and waterways to hinder criminal activities.
On his part, the General Officer Commanding of 6 Division, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, commended the troops’ efforts and urged them to sustain their vigilance.
He reassured the public that the military remains resolute in denying criminals any foothold in the region.
