Nigerian Army Dismantles 20 Illegal Refining Sites, Arrests Oil Theft Suspects

The Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, has achieved a significant milestone in the fight against oil theft in the Niger Delta region. Between December 23 and 29, 2024, troops of the 6 Division dismantled 20 illegal crude oil refining sites, arrested eight suspected oil thieves, and recovered over 90,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.

Key Operations and Discoveries

1. Buguma General Area (Asari-Toru LGA):

A large tarpaulin storage reservoir and a wooden boat containing 37,000 litres of stolen condensates were uncovered.
In the Ogajiama axis, a gun battle led to the discovery of an illegal refining site holding 9,000 litres of refined Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK).
Three locally made boats being loaded with crude oil were intercepted, and three suspects were arrested.

2. Krakrama Community (Degema LGA):

Troops dismantled two illegal refining sites, intercepted seven boats, and confiscated 2,000 litres of stolen crude oil.

3. Gbede, Omoku:

A single illegal refining site was dismantled, with 27 locally made ovens and 31 sacks of stolen products (containing over 2,000 litres) seized.

4. Odagwa-Imo Riverside (Etche LGA):

Troops recovered two drum pots, a wooden boat, and 3,500 litres of stolen products.

5. Imo River Fringes:

The operation uncovered seven illegal refining sites, six boats, 122 drum pots, 49 drum receivers, and 10,000 litres of stolen crude oil.

6. Biseni Forest, Bayelsa State (Yenagoa LGA):

An illegal refining site containing 8,000 litres of stolen crude was dismantled.
Troops foiled an attempt to vandalize Shell Petroleum Development Company’s inactive flow lines at Well 20 in Opukushi.

7. Akwa Ibom State:

In Enwang II (Mbo LGA), 11 drums containing 3,080 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) were intercepted.
At Dazele Filling Station (Ibaka), 31 additional drums containing 8,680 litres of PMS were seized, reportedly prepared for smuggling to a neighboring country.

8. Delta State:

Combined kinetic and non-kinetic operations denied criminal elements the ability to operate in the region.

Military’s Commitment to Regional Security

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 6 Division, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, praised the troops for their vigilance and dedication. He urged them to sustain these efforts to ensure a secure environment for oil exploration and economic activities in the Niger Delta. Additionally, he called on the public to provide actionable intelligence to support the fight against economic sabotage.