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Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, have successfully thwarted multiple attempts to re-establish illegal oil bunkering sites across the Niger Delta Region (NDR).

The intensified operations carried out between April 7 and 13 in collaboration with other security agencies, led to the arrest of 28 suspected oil thieves, the dismantling of 18 bunkering sites, and the recovery of over 72,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.

In Rivers State, troops ramped up their activities, frustrating renewed attempts by oil thieves to create new refining hubs. One key location was the Joinkrama 4 Forest in Ahoada West Local Government Area (LGA), where troops recovered welding and cutting equipment, alongside several newly constructed drums for illegal refining.

Acting on credible intelligence, troops raided De Tropicana Hotel, also in Ahoada West, where two Toyota Camry vehicles containing over 1,300 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) were intercepted. The drivers abandoned the vehicles and fled the scene.

Further operations around Krakrama Wellhead 12 in Bille, Degema LGA, resulted in the arrest of three suspects attempting to compromise a critical oil facility.

Troops recovered three wooden boats carrying more than 1,500 litres of stolen crude oil.

Additional follow-up raids at the same site led to the arrest of four more suspects and the recovery of equipment used for illegal refining in Okarki.

Operations at Imo River at the fringes of the Imo River, troops conducted clearance operations that deactivated six illegal refining sites.

The raids led to the destruction of 41 drum pots, and 18 drum receivers, and the recovery of 540 sacks filled with over 11,000 litres of stolen crude products. Several newly constructed bunkering facilities were also destroyed as part of the mission to prevent the
re-establishment of criminal operations in the area.

In Delta State, vigilant troops intercepted a canter truck, a Ford bus, and a fuel tanker conveying over 25,200 litres of stolen products along the Koko–Obitigbo road.

In a separate operation, a fuel tanker loaded with more than 10,000 litres of stolen crude was seized in Koko.

Meanwhile, in the Oton–Urakpa axis of Sapele LGA, troops uncovered an illegal bunkering camp hidden deep within a forest.

The site housed 100 cellophane bags filled with over 3,350 litres of refined AGO, alongside a large iron tank filled with the same substance. Also recovered were three empty drums, two refining ovens, rubber hoses, and an extensive network of iron pipes used to siphon crude.

In Bayelsa State, troops operating in Biseni Community, Yenagoa LGA, deactivated three illegal refining sites and uncovered over 2,100 litres of stolen crude stored in dug-out pits. Another refining hub was dismantled in Okordia, Yenagoa LGA, with 1,500 litres of stolen products recovered.

In Akwa Ibom State, along the Okobo–Uyo road in Okobo LGA, troops intercepted eight jerricans (30 litres each) filled with illegally refined AGO during routine checks.

All suspects apprehended during the operations have been handed over to appropriate security agencies for further investigation and prosecution. Seized products were processed following military protocols and environmental safety procedures.

While commending the troops for their commitment, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, reiterated the Army’s dedication to creating a secure and stable environment for legitimate socio-economic activities across the Niger Delta.

“The Nigerian Army will not relent in its efforts to rid the region of economic saboteurs. Anyone involved in oil theft and environmental vandalism should either desist or be ready to face the full consequences of their actions,” the GOC stated.