The 6th Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt has announced a significant achievement in its fight against oil theft. Between October 28 and November 3, 2024, the army recovered an impressive 700,000 litres of stolen petrol during a series of operations aimed at curbing illegal activities in the region.
Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah, the division’s Public Relations Officer, reported that the operations led to the closure of 29 illegal oil refining sites and the arrest of 24 suspected oil thieves. The army also destroyed 14 boats that were used for stealing crude oil.
In Rivers State, troops intercepted a large wooden boat carrying over 150,000 litres of stolen crude oil in the Kula area of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area. Another boat was seized, which contained 50,000 litres of crude oil. In addition, three illegal refining sites were dismantled, and cooking pots containing 20,000 litres of stolen diesel were confiscated. In total, troops shut down ten illegal refining sites in Kay and Abesa, resulting in the seizure of 400,000 litres of illegally refined diesel.
The army’s efforts continued in Bayelsa State, where soldiers deactivated two illegal refining sites at Boma Creek in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area. They recovered storage tanks with over 2,500 litres of stolen crude oil. Operations in Obughene Creek also yielded over 4,500 litres of stolen crude, while another 3,000 litres were seized at West Boma Creek.
In Akwa Ibom State, troops intercepted two Toyota Camrys loaded with illegally refined diesel, totaling 3,000 litres. These vehicles were stopped along the Ikot Abasi-Abak road, and the drivers were taken into custody.
Delta State saw multiple raids as well, including the interception of a tricycle in Kwale, Ndokwa West Local Government Area, which was carrying stolen iron pipes allegedly taken from decommissioned Oando pipelines. Another raid in Patani town uncovered a storage dump with 40 jerrycans of stolen products. Additionally, troops patrolling the waterways of Uro Community intercepted a wooden boat carrying 200 sacks of petrol.
All suspects arrested during these operations have been handed over to the relevant authorities for prosecution, while the seized products are being handled according to operational mandates.
The Nigerian Army’s decisive actions reflect its commitment to combating oil theft and ensuring the security of the region, demonstrating the ongoing efforts to protect the nation’s resources from illegal activities.
