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. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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): 2. Krakrama Community (Degema LGA): 3. Gbede, Omoku: 4. Odagwa-Imo Riverside (Etche LGA): 5. Imo River Fringes: 6. Biseni Forest, Bayelsa State (Yenagoa LGA): 7. Akwa Ibom State: 8. Delta State: 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. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
In a major victory against banditry in Nigeria’s Northwest, troops from the 1 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have captured a notorious bandit leader and arms dealer, Bako Wurgi, also known as Baka NaGarba. Wurgi has been linked to the brutal murder of the Emir of Gobir, Isa Mohammad Bawa, in Sokoto State. The arrest was announced by Zagazola Makama, a counterterrorism expert specializing in the Lake Chad Basin, on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle on Sunday. According to Makama, the operation that led to Wurgi’s capture occurred on Saturday. Reports revealed that Wurgi had sustained multiple injuries, including cuts and gunshot wounds, during a clash with a rival group. He was apprehended while receiving treatment at a hospital in Shinkafi town, Zamfara State. “Intelligence sources informed me that troops arrested Wurgi at the hospital after learning he was transported there with severe injuries,” Makama shared. While two of Wurgi’s accomplices managed to escape during the operation, another individual, who had transported him to the hospital using a tricycle, was apprehended. Connection to the Sokoto Emir’s Murder The late Emir of Gobir was abducted on July 9, 2024, in the Sabon Birnin Local Government Area of Sokoto State. After failed ransom negotiations, the Emir was tragically murdered on August 22. “Wurgi played a central role in the kidnapping and eventual killing of the Emir,” Makama disclosed. “The ransom negotiations, which involved demands for cash and motorcycles, collapsed, leading to the Emir’s death.” Wurgi’s Role in Banditry Networks Beyond his involvement in the murder, Wurgi is reportedly a key figure in an extensive arms smuggling network with international links. He is also said to be related to another infamous bandit leader, Bello Turji, through his grandfather. Adding to his family’s involvement in criminal activities, Wurgi’s son, Sani Duna, allegedly serves as a getaway biker for Turji. A Significant Breakthrough The capture of Bako Wurgi is being celebrated as a crucial step in the fight against terrorism and banditry plaguing the region. Security forces are currently holding Wurgi at an undisclosed location while intensifying efforts to track down his fleeing accomplices. The operation highlights the Nigerian Army’s ongoing commitment to dismantling criminal networks and restoring peace to the region. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
Efforts to clamp down on crude oil theft in the Niger Delta Region (NDR) have achieved remarkable success as troops intensified anti-bunkering operations. Between December 9-15, 2024, military forces deactivated 42 illegal oil refinery sites, arrested 29 suspected oil thieves, and confiscated over 197,000 litres of stolen crude oil, according to a statement from the Nigerian Army. In addition to the stolen crude, security forces seized 32 boats, 12 vehicles, and eight motorcycles believed to have been used in acts of economic sabotage. Key Operations in Bayelsa State Bayelsa State witnessed major operations targeting illegal refining activities. Highlights from Rivers State Operations in Rivers State further demonstrated the troops’ resolve: Achievements in Delta State Troops also recorded significant success in Delta State: Leadership Commendation The General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, commended the troops for their unwavering efforts. He reaffirmed that these operations would continue in line with the objectives set for December 2024. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to eradicating the Lakurawa terrorist group, whose activities have terrorized communities in the north-west. Lakurawa’s Reign of Terror The Lakurawa group gained infamy for orchestrating violent attacks, including a recent assault on Mera village in Kebbi State, where over 15 people were killed and many others injured. These atrocities have heightened the need for decisive military intervention. Intensified Military Operations Addressing State House correspondents in Abuja on Monday, Oluyede revealed that the army is ramping up its offensive against the group. “We are hitting them hard at the Nigerian end,” he said. The intensified pressure has reportedly forced many of the terrorists to flee across the border into neighboring countries. Cross-Border Collaboration Oluyede emphasized the importance of regional cooperation, particularly with the Niger Republic and Chad, to completely dismantle the group. “Once you hit them hard here, they will flee to the Niger Republic. Now that Niger is coming on board, it means very soon Lakurawa will be a thing of the past,” he said. Joint Border Patrols To curb the terrorists’ movements, the Nigerian Army launched joint border patrols on December 8. These patrols aim to restrict the group’s cross-border activities and enhance security in affected areas like Sokoto and Kebbi states. Additional military personnel are also being deployed to these regions. Tackling Root Causes Oluyede pointed out that the terrorists exploit the desperation of local communities, luring them with financial aid and agricultural incentives. Addressing this issue is key to weakening their influence and recruitment efforts. Leadership Commitment During visits to military formations in the north-west and north-east, Oluyede encouraged officers and soldiers to adopt innovative strategies to combat insecurity. “I made bold to tell them that I want things done differently and I expect better results going forward,” he stated. A Brighter Future The COAS assured Nigerians that the army’s relentless efforts will yield tangible results, bringing an end to terrorism and paving the way for a safer and more secure nation. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.

