In a series of raids across Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Delta states, troops from the 6th Division of the Nigerian Army seized 700,000 liters of stolen petroleum products, sealed 29 illegal refining sites, and arrested 24 suspected oil thieves.
In a statement issued by the Division’s Public Relations Officer, Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah, it was noted that 14 boats involved in crude oil theft were also destroyed during the operation.
Jonah disclosed that the raids were conducted between October 28 and November 3, 2024.
He revealed that the troops intercepted a large wooden boat carrying over 150,000 liters of stolen crude oil in the Kula area of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Providing a breakdown of the operation, Jonah stated, “Another boat carrying 50,000 liters of crude oil was seized, while three illegal refining sites were dismantled, and cooking pots containing 20,000 liters of stolen diesel were confiscated. Troops also dismantled ten illegal refining sites in Kay and Abesa in Akuku-Toru LGA, seizing 400,000 liters of illegally refined diesel.”
In Bayelsa State, soldiers deactivated two illegal refining sites at Boma Creek in Southern Ijaw LGA, recovering storage tanks holding over 2,500 liters of stolen crude. Similarly, operations in Obughene Creek in Southern Ijaw yielded over 4,500 liters of stolen crude, while another 3,000 liters of illicit product were seized at West Boma Creek.
In Akwa Ibom State, troops intercepted two Toyota Camrys loaded with illegally refined diesel, concealed in nylon bags, totaling 3,000 liters. The vehicles were stopped along the Ikot Abasi-Abak road, and the drivers were detained.
In Delta State, multiple raids were conducted, including the interception of a tricycle in Kwale, Ndokwa West LGA, carrying stolen iron pipes allegedly taken from decommissioned Oando pipelines.
Another raid in Patani town uncovered a storage dump containing 40 jerricans of stolen products, while troops patrolling Uro Community waterways intercepted a wooden boat with 200 sacks of premium motor spirit,” he concluded.
The statement added that suspects arrested during the raids have been handed over to relevant authorities for prosecution.