1000+ unique media and news posts every 24 hours…
Operatives of the 6th Division, Nigerian Army, have dismantled 19 illegal refineries, arrested 12 suspected oil thieves and seized more than 170,000 liters of stolen products in the Niger Delta region.
In a statement on Sunday by 6 Division spokesperson Lt. Col. DanjumaJonah, he said the troops achieved the milestones between December 2 and 8, 2024.
Danjuma, who said anti-illegal oil bunkering operations continued to record operational successes, stressed that the operatives were fighting multiple fronts, denying economic saboteurs the freedom of action to jeopardize pipelines.
He disclosed that 21 boats had been demobilized, noting that Cotonou boats, one of which was fully loaded with more than 34,000 liters of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), were intercepted around Okarki in Ahoada West Municipality.
He also revealed that troops had discovered an illegal refinery with over 30,000 liters of stolen crude oil in Ogbonga Forest, Bonny Island. In Bakana/Bugumageneral area, Degema and Asari-Toru LGAs, he said a large pot of unquantified products suspected to be stolen crude oil was seized.
“In Okrika LGA, troops discovered an illegal valve connection point on the NNPC pipeline with about 2,000 meters of 3-inch tubing connected to a storage pit containing over 20,000 liters of stolen crude oil. Three receivers, six locally made boats containing 14,000 liters of stolen crude oil, were seized.
“Similarly, an illegal refining site, 16 locally made metal furnace drums, 211 bags loaded with over 13,000 liters of stolen crude oil and 20 bags loaded with 1,200 liters of illegally refined AGO were recovered around the Amoha – Mgbede area,” he added.
At the Idu Power Station in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, Danjuma disclosed that three suspected oil thieves were sighted at the Oando pipeline, vandalizing the pipeline. “In an attempt to arrest the criminals, one ran into the forest, while the other who tried to escape was demobilized.”
According to him, the items recovered from the suspects include pliers, saw, hammer and fabricated F-angle pipes used to compromise pipelines.
In another development, two suspected oil thieves were arrested by the troops in a wooden boat loaded with destroyed pipeline rails and cylinders hidden with bags of periwinkle, in Kula, Akuku-Toru LGA of Rivers.
Danjuma said: “In the Imo River bunker corridor, 10 illegal refining sites, seven boats, 38 barrels and 22 metal container receivers were destroyed and over 13,000 liters of products were seized. This was in addition to a tanker truck full of stolen products traced to an illegal connection point intercepted in the general area of Rukpoku.
“In Bayelsa State, Kalabilema general area of Nembe, one illegal refining site with over 2,000 liters of illegally refined AGO was deactivated. “An illegal refinery and a wooden boat suspected of being used for oil theft were also intercepted around Igbomotoru Creek in Southern Ijaw.”
He said the division also conducted operations at Mbo LGA in Akwa Ibom. “The operation was carried out based on credible intelligence, which led to the interception of 43 barrels loaded with 280 liters each of premium motor fuel, estimated at 12,040 litres. The products were prepared for smuggling to a neighboring country.”
He further disclosed that in Delta State, four suspected oil thieves had been arrested at Koko in Warri LGA. “They were arrested for transporting 35 barrels of black oil, estimated at over 7,000 litres, in a Mercedes Benz truck with registration number BKH 660 XA Delta.
“Troops also responded to information about illegal oil bunkering activities in Ugbokodo area of Okpe where they discovered several bags loaded with over 2,000 liters of stolen crude oil. At the NNPC/PAN Ocean company pipeline, in IdemiliCommunity, Ndokwa West LGA, troops discovered a compromised pipeline,” he pointed out.
He added that the vandals were observed fixing a valve on the pipeline with further attempts to connect pipes for siphoning crude oil, saying they fled when they saw troops.
“Several items were recovered including pipes, welding cables, shovels, rubber buckets and black leather,” Danjuma revealed.
Bless Ibunge
Follow us on:
1000+ unique media and news posts every 24 hours…