The Nigerian Army’s 6 Division has dismantled 20 illegal oil refining sites, seized over 90,000 litres of stolen oil products, and arrested eight suspects during an extensive operation across the Niger Delta.

The raids, conducted between December 23 and 29, 2024, spanned Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Delta States, and involved coordinated efforts with other security agencies.

This development was disclosed by the Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Sunday.

“Troops of 6 Division, in conjunction with sister security agencies, have intensified the fight against economic saboteurs in the Niger Delta. This has resulted in the destruction of 20 illegal refining sites, the deactivation of 21 boats used in criminal activities, and the recovery of over 90,000 litres of stolen products,” Lt. Col. Danjuma stated.

Acting on intelligence, troops responded to illegal activities in the Buguma area of Asari-Toru Local Government Area. This led to the discovery of a massive tarpaulin reservoir and a wooden boat containing over 37,000 litres of stolen condensates.

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The statement further revealed: “At the Ogajiama axis of Buguma/Bakana, troops dismantled an illegal refining site containing 9,000 litres of refined kerosene. During the operation, three locally made boats were intercepted while attempting to load crude oil from an abandoned wellhead, and three suspects were apprehended.”

At Krakrama Community in Degema LGA, two illegal refining sites, seven boats, and about 2,000 litres of stolen crude were seized. Additionally, operations in the Gbede area of Omoku led to the confiscation of 27 locally made ovens and 31 sacks containing over 2,000 litres of stolen oil products.

In Bayelsa State, troops dismantled an illegal refining site in the Biseni Forest, Yenagoa LGA, and confiscated 8,000 litres of stolen oil. They also foiled an attempted pipeline vandalism at Well 20, operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company, in Ekeremor LGA.

In Akwa Ibom State, operatives intercepted 11 drums of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), amounting to approximately 3,080 litres, in Enwang II, Mbo LGA. A follow-up operation at Dazele Filling Station in Ibaka revealed an additional 31 drums of PMS, totaling 8,680 litres, intended for smuggling to a neighboring country.

In Delta State, the 6 Division deployed both kinetic and non-kinetic operations to neutralize criminal activities. According to Lt. Col. Danjuma, these efforts have curtailed the freedom of action of economic saboteurs in the area.

General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, praised the troops for their efforts, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance. “These operations are crucial to ensuring a safe environment for oil exploration and economic activities in the Niger Delta,” he stated.

The General also urged citizens to support security efforts by providing actionable intelligence to combat economic sabotage and criminal activities in the region.

The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the nation’s economic resources and curbing illicit activities threatening national development.

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