The Nigerian Army has apprehended at least 15 individuals for alleged involvement in oil theft and illegal bunkering operations across the Niger Delta region.
Lt.-Col. Danjuma Danjuma, spokesman for the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division in Port Harcourt, disclosed in a statement on Monday that the arrests were made during recent operations in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers states.
The operations, conducted between January 6 and 12, resulted in the dismantling of 32 artisanal refineries, the seizure of 14 boats, and the confiscation of over 60,000 liters of various petroleum products.
According to Danjuma, the raids are part of a coordinated effort with other security agencies to tackle oil theft in the region.
“In Bille, Degema Local Government Area, Rivers State, troops dismantled seven illegal refining sites, confiscated 20,000 liters of crude oil, and destroyed two boats,” he said.
The operations extended to other locations, including the Imo River, where 10 illegal refineries were deactivated, along with several crude oil cooking pots and receivers. About 19,000 liters of stolen petroleum products were recovered.
In Odagwa, Etche, soldiers intercepted three boats carrying 12,000 liters of stolen crude oil, apprehending three suspects in the process. Similar raids were carried out in Abiama, Asa, Obuzor, Okoloma, Ozaa, Ukwa, and Oyigbo.
Troops advanced to Nkisa in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers, where they seized 1,600 liters of crude oil and 1,200 liters of adulterated diesel. Along Ndoni Road, they intercepted a Toyota van loaded with 1,200 liters of stolen condensate.
In Buguma, Asari-Toru, Rivers, soldiers dismantled two illegal refineries, seized 1,500 liters of stolen crude oil, and arrested five suspects.
“In Baberegbene, Southern Ijaw, Bayelsa, an illegal refinery was dismantled, and a wooden boat carrying 1,500 liters of stolen crude oil was intercepted,” Danjuma added.
Additional operations in Emago-Kugbo and Oluasiri communities in Nembe, Bayelsa, saw troops deactivating another illegal refining site with an unquantified quantity of stolen petroleum products.
The campaign continued in Akwa Ibom and Delta states, where soldiers maintained a strong presence to thwart the activities of economic saboteurs.
Danjuma emphasized the army’s commitment to eradicating oil theft and protecting the nation’s resources.
