In a coordinated effort to combat oil theft and illegal bunkering, troops operating in the Niger Delta have achieved significant successes, dismantling key infrastructure and apprehending suspects.
During operations conducted across the Joint Operations Area (JOA), troops of the 6 Division Nigerian Army, in conjunction with other security agencies, successfully took out over 37 illegal refining sites.
The Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma in a statement on Monday said the operation has also thwarted attempts by criminals to establish new illegal bunkering hubs in the region.
He noted that as part of the intensified clearance operations, troops had successfully taken out 37 illegal refining sites, identified 10 illegal connection points, and destroyed 6 wooden boats used for conveying stolen products as well as apprehended 9 suspected oil thieves.
He said The operation, conducted in conjunction with other security agencies, yielded impressive results as Troops also confiscated 7 vehicles, 8 motorcycles, and 4 trucks used for illegal activities, as well as seized several pumping machines in different locations of the region.
He added that troops in Rivers State confiscated over 43,500 litres of stolen crude oil and products around Imo River, specifically in the Owaza and Odogwa Creeks area, adding that troops seized over 15,000 litres of stolen crude oil stored in a large wooden boat.
The Army PRO noted that in another operation at Okoloma and Obuzor Creeks, troops deactivated 9 active illegal refining sites, and destroyed 5 wooden boats, and several motorcycles. Additionally, they confiscated over 13,000 litres of stolen products.
“Along Ebocha Ndoni road, troops recovered a reservoir containing over 8,500 litres of stolen products and 116 sacks stocked with over 7,000 litres of stolen products. They also seized 10 empty metal drums, 10 metal pipes, and one motorcycle.
“Troops intercepted a suspect driving a Toyota Camry with registration number KTU 423 EC Lagos, carrying over 2,000 litres of stolen products,” he said.
He further stated that in another incident along Ndoni Obiafo road, troops intercepted a Toyota Sienna with registration number Lagos EPE 789 JC conveying stolen products. The suspect fled, abandoning the vehicle.
A Volvo car without registration was also intercepted with 36 sacks containing products estimated to be over 2,000 litres.
He added that in Aga Community, Egbema, at Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA), troops confiscated 16 empty newly constructed locally made drums intended for illegal refining of crude oil.
Furthermore, in the Ikwerede community, also in ONELGA, troops deactivated illegal refining sites with 15 reservoirs and over 5,000 litres of stolen products.
While in Delta State Operations, Troops intercepted a tanker truck with registration number YLA 286 XB loaded with suspected stolen crude oil along Jesse Oben road in Ethiope West LGA. Two persons were arrested.
Further exploitation in the area led to the interception of an empty truck with registration number KTN 446 YZ, suspected of attempting to steal crude oil from SEPLAT Energy Nigeria Plc’s trunkline. Three persons were arrested and are being interrogated.
At the Iriama community in Okpe LGA, troops discovered an illegal crude oil tapping point under construction along SEPLAT Energy Plc’s pipeline. One person was arrested, and various items were recovered.
In Edo State Operation, Along Ugo Idumessa road in Ugo Community, Orhiomwon LGA, troops arrested two persons with a tanker with registration number KMC 272 ZU containing suspected stolen products estimated at 50,000 litres.
Also, in Akwa Ibom Operation, Troops confiscated over 14,000 litres of stolen crude oil stored in nine 25-litre jerricans from two vehicles along Idua road in Eket and Uyo LGAs.
While in Bayelsa, Brass Creek Operation, Troops destroyed one illegal refinery, and one oven, and handled a reservoir containing over 4,000 litres of crude oil.
Lt Col Danjuma declared that all arrested suspects have been handed over to the appropriate agency for prosecution.
Meanwhile, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Nigerian Army Major General Jamal Abdussalam commended troops for their unwavering resilience in combating criminality in the Niger Delta region.
He reassured that the Division remains committed to denying criminal elements any foothold in the region.