The Nigerian Army has delivered a significant blow to oil theft operations in the Niger Delta region, dismantling 20 illegal crude oil refining sites and arresting eight suspected oil thieves in a week-long operation.
Conducted between December 23 and 29, 2024, the operation also led to the recovery of over 90,000 liters of stolen petroleum products and the deactivation of 21 boats used for oil siphoning. The crackdown targeted multiple locations, including Asari-Toru, Degema, and Etche Local Government Areas (LGAs).
The Army emphasized that the operation is part of its ongoing campaign against economic sabotage in the Niger Delta. “This posture led to the dismantling of 20 illegal refining sites, the arrest of eight suspected oil thieves, and the deactivation of 21 boats used for the criminality,” it said in a statement.
Major General Jamal Abdussalam, General Officer Commanding 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, commended the troops for their dedication and urged them to remain vigilant. “I charge troops to maintain vigilance in the Joint Operations Area to foster an environment conducive to legitimate exploration activities,” Abdussalam said.
Specific Operations and Successes Asari-Toru LGA:
In Buguma, troops discovered a massive tarpaulin storage reservoir and a wooden boat containing over 37,000 liters of stolen condensates. At the Ogajiama axis of Buguma/Bakana, soldiers engaged oil thieves in a gun duel, forcing the criminals to flee. Troops also dismantled an illegal refining site containing 9,000 liters of illegally refined Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) and arrested three suspects.
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Bayelsa State:
In the Biseni Forest area of Yenagoa LGA, an illegal refining site was dismantled, and approximately 8,000 liters of stolen products were seized. At Opukushi in Ekeremor LGA, troops uncovered an attempted vandalism of an inactive Shell Petroleum Development Company flow line.
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Akwa Ibom State:
At Enwang II in Mbo LGA, troops intercepted 11 drums of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) containing 3,080 liters. A follow-up operation traced the source to Dazele Filling Station in Ibaka, where 31 additional drums—holding 8,680 liters of PMS—were seized. Investigations revealed the products were intended for smuggling to a neighboring country.
The Nigerian Army called on residents of the Niger Delta to assist by providing actionable intelligence on economic saboteurs. “We urge the public to continue supplying information on criminal activities to troops in the region,” the Army stated.
The Army’s intensified operations signal a determined effort to disrupt oil theft networks and protect the nation’s critical economic assets.
