Troops Deactivate 46 Illegal Refining Sites in Niger Delta
Personnel from the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with various security agencies, have successfully recovered a significant cache of arms and ammunition, deactivated 46 illegal refining sites, and destroyed 47 vessels utilized for the transportation of stolen products across challenging terrains.
According to an official statement released by the Army, 28 individuals who engaged in oil theft have been apprehended, resulting in the recovery of over 95,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.
“The 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in conjunction with other security agencies, has scaled up ongoing anti-illegal oil bunkering operations across the Niger Delta region.
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“In the latest achievements, troops recovered arms and ammunition, deactivated 46 illegal refining sites, destroyed 47 boats used to ferry stolen products across the treacherous terrain, and arrested 28 oil thieves with over 95,000 litres of stolen products recovered.
“The operations, conducted between 11–17 November 2024, targeted the criminal networks perpetrating oil theft,” the statement said.
The statement said “Acting on credible intelligence about economic saboteurs along the Oando pipeline in Ebocha, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA), troops encountered armed vandals who opened fire.
“The superior firepower of the troops forced the vandals to flee, leaving behind 1 AK-47 rifle and 1 magazine loaded with 17 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition.
“Troops intercepted large wooden boats transporting 472 sacks of stolen crude, estimated at 28,320 litres. Seven suspects were arrested.
“In Buguma General Area (Asari Toru LGA) Several illegal refining sites were dismantled, boats deactivated, and 9,500 litres of stolen products recovered.”
The statement said that these operations aim to disrupt and dismantle the cartels profiting from illegal oil activities in the region.