The Nigerian Army has intensified its crackdown on oil theft, destroying nine illegal refineries and arresting 69 suspects in two weeks of operations across the Niger Delta.
Troops from the 6 Division carried out the raids in Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom States. They also seized more than 32,000 litres of stolen petroleum products, according to Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, who issued a statement on Sunday.
Delta State
Soldiers intercepted two trucks in Sapele carrying over 15,000 litres of illegally refined diesel and arrested three suspects. In One Man Village, they seized 16 bags of diesel, while in Nana Town, Warri North, they confiscated several drums and jerricans filled with stolen fuel.
Rivers State
In Degema, troops dismantled three refining camps, impounded a wooden boat, and recovered more than 7,000 litres of stolen products. At Omoku in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, they intercepted two boats loaded with stolen condensates. In Izuoma, Oyigbo, soldiers recovered 1,500 litres of diesel, while in Okrika, they arrested three suspects, destroyed another refining camp, and seized equipment, including a drum pot, a receiver, and crude-filled drums.
Bayelsa State
At Biseni in Yenagoa LGA, troops destroyed a site containing two large reservoirs filled with over 7,000 litres of stolen crude oil. They also dismantled additional drums and refining equipment.
Akwa Ibom and Imo River Axis
In Akwa Ibom, soldiers intensified patrols to block illegal refiners from operating. Around the Imo River, they destroyed two refining camps near Obuzor and Oyigbo. The troops also recovered four drum pots, two receivers, and over 2,000 litres of stolen products. In Andoni LGA, they seized a fibre boat, a cooking pot, industrial pipes, and valves used for refining.
Prosecution of Suspects
Lt. Col. Danjuma said troops handed all suspects to security agencies for prosecution. He added that soldiers treated the seized products and dismantled equipment according to operational procedures.