Nigerian Troops Recover 30,000 Litres Of Stolen Petroleum Products, Dismantle Illegal Refineries

Discover how Nigerian troops dismantled illegal refineries, recovered 30,000 litres of stolen petroleum products, and arrested 15 oil thieves in the Niger Delta.

In a strategic crackdown on oil theft and illegal refining, troops of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army have recovered 30,000 litres of stolen petroleum products and dismantled 13 illegal refineries in the Niger Delta region. This commendable effort is part of ongoing operations aimed at curbing economic sabotage in the country.

Major Arrests and Recoveries

The operation, which took place across various states in the Niger Delta, also led to the arrest of 15 suspected oil thieves. Additionally, the troops demobilized four boats and deactivated 150 local ovens used for illegal refining.

Lt.-Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 6 Division, provided details of the operation. He reported that troops raided a vandalized location in Ugo Community, Orhionmwon Local Government Area (LGA) of Edo State, where they discovered 252,000 litres of stolen crude oil.

In Delta State, the troops intercepted a red DAF Tanker Truck without a plate number in Asade Community, Ethiope West LGA. The tanker, which had siphoned over 15,000 litres of crude oil from a PAN Ocean Nigeria Limited pipeline in Ovade, was seized during the operation.

Further Seizures in Rivers State

The crackdown extended to Rivers State, where the troops recovered over 10,000 litres of stolen petroleum products along the Imo River corridor. Lt.-Col. Danjuma revealed that an illegal refining site was uncovered in Odagwa, near the Imo River waterways, while products were seized in Lekuma, Abiama, and Oyigbo communities.

Sustained Efforts to Combat Oil Theft

This operation underscores the Nigerian Army’s commitment to tackling oil theft and illegal refining in the Niger Delta. The destruction of illegal refineries and arrest of suspects is a significant step toward safeguarding the country’s oil resources.

Authorities urge citizens to report suspicious activities related to oil theft, as joint security efforts intensify to restore peace and economic stability to the affected regions.