In a significant crackdown on oil theft and pipeline vandalism, the Nigerian Army has dismantled 37 illegal refining sites and confiscated over 130,000 litres of stolen crude and by-products in the Niger Delta region.

This operation, which took place between December 16 and 22, 2024, is a major blow to oil thieves and vandals who have been causing havoc in the region.

The Army’s efforts have yielded impressive results, with the destruction of illegal refining sites, the recovery of stolen products, and the arrest of suspected oil thieves.

In Rivers State alone, troops destroyed a cluster of 9 illegal refining sites, recovered over 60,000 litres of stolen products, and arrested 4 suspected oil thieves.

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Similar operations were conducted in Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom states, with significant successes recorded.

The Nigerian Army’s General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, has commended the troops for their achievements and charged them to sustain the tempo against oil thieves.

This operation is a testament to the Army’s commitment to protecting the country’s oil and gas infrastructure and ensuring the economic security of Nigeria

A statement by the Army said, “In Rivers State, around Obiafu, in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni (ONELGA) LGA, a cluster of 9 illegal refining sites with 176 cooking drums and several pumping machines were destroyed.

“Additionally, two mobile phones, several locally constructed dumps, stocked with over 60,000 litres of stolen products were confiscated.

“These include about 50,000 litres of stolen crude, 5,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 6,250 litres of illegally refined Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) and the arrest of four suspected oil thieves.

“In Buguma general area in Asari-Toru LGA, three illegal refining sites, a large boat was also deactivated with over 24,000 litres of stolen products recovered.

“Meanwhile, around Bille and Bakana general areas in Degema LGA, three illegal refining sites, two wooden and one fibre boats, were intercepted with over 6,000 and 5,000 litres of stolen crude respectfully, as well as 5,000 litres of illegally refined DPK recovered.

“At Ozorchi Forest in Abua/Odual, four illegal refining sites with over 10,000 litres of stolen products were handled.

“Clearance operations conducted along Imo River, led to the deactivation of 8 illegal refining sites, 50 drum pots, 65 metal container receivers as well as over 5,000 litres of stolen products recovered.

“In separate operations conducted in Bayelsa State, around Kunsho Creek in Southern Ijaw, one illegal refining site with 2,000 litres of stolen crude were handled appropriately.

“At Kumbo 4 Flow line in Ekeremor LGA, troops thwarted an attempt to compromise Shell Petroleum Development Company pipeline.

“The vandals fled and abandoned 18 inches pipes and three gas cylinders at the site.

“In Delta State, troops intercepted a tanker truck positioned to siphon crude oil from Platform Petroleum Limited Pipeline at Obiukwole Community in Ethiope East LGA.

“A blue hose laid into the bush linking the pipeline to the tanker truck in preparation to steal was discovered by troops.

“In addition, four suspected oil thieves were arrested at the scene.

“In Akwa Ibom, troops have continued to dominate both the hinterland and waterways to ward off criminal activities in the state.

“The operations which were conducted from 16 – 22 December 2024, across the region, with the troops working closely with other security agencies, recorded several other gains.

“The General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Jamal Abdussalam while commending troops for the feat achieved, charged them to sustain the tempo against oil thieves.

“He also reassured that criminals will not be allowed freedom of action to have any foothold in the region.”