…………Over 130,000 Litres of Stolen Crude Recovered, 20 Suspects Arrested in Niger Delta Operation
The Nigerian Army has intensified its campaign against oil theft and pipeline vandalism, dismantling 37 illegal refining sites and confiscating over 130,000 litres of stolen crude and by products in the Niger Delta region.
The operation, conducted between December 16 and 22, 2024, marks a significant blow to criminal activities that have long plagued Nigeria’s oil-rich region.
Troops achieved substantial results during the operation, including the destruction of illegal refining facilities, recovery of stolen petroleum products, and the arrest of 20 suspects.
Highlights of the Operation Rivers State, the Army dismantled nine illegal refining sites in Obiafu, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni (ONELGA) Local Government Area (LGA). These sites contained 176 cooking drums, multiple pumping machines, and locally constructed dumps stocked with over 60,000 litres of stolen products. Recovered items included:
50,000 litres of stolen crude oil
5,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO)
6,250 litres of illegally refined Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK)
Additionally, four suspected oil thieves were apprehended in the area.
In Buguma, Asari-Toru LGA, three illegal refining sites and a large boat were destroyed, with troops recovering over 24,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.
In the Bille and Bakana areas of Degema LGA, three illegal refining sites were neutralized, and boats carrying 11,000 litres of stolen crude and 5,000 litres of illegally refined DPK were intercepted. At Ozorchi Forest in Abua/Odual LGA, four illegal refining sites were dismantled, and over 10,000 litres of stolen crude were seized.
Clearance operations along the Imo River led to the destruction of eight refining sites, 50 drum pots, and 65 metal container receivers, with 5,000 litres of stolen crude oil recovered.
In Bayelsa State, troops dismantled an illegal refining site at Kunsho Creek in Southern Ijaw LGA, recovering 2,000 litres of stolen crude. At Ekeremor LGA’s Kumbo 4 Flow Line, troops foiled an attempt to compromise Shell Petroleum Development Company’s pipeline. Vandals fled the scene, abandoning 18-inch pipes and three gas cylinders.
In Delta State, troops intercepted a tanker truck rigged to siphon crude from Platform Petroleum Limited’s pipeline in Obiukwole Community, Ethiope East LGA. A blue hose linking the pipeline to the tanker was discovered, and four suspects were arrested.
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In Akwa Ibom State, troops intensified patrols across the hinterlands and waterways, preventing criminal activities.
The General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, praised the troops for their dedication and success in the operation. He urged them to sustain the momentum and reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructure, ensuring the nation’s economic security.
“This operation demonstrates the Army’s resolve to deny criminals any foothold in the region,” Major General Abdussalam said, assuring that the fight against oil theft will remain relentless.
This successful operation highlights the Army’s determination to tackle oil theft and related crimes in the Niger Delta, which have cost Nigeria billions in revenue.
