The Nigerian Army has successfully carried out a major operation to tackle illegal oil activities in the Niger Delta. In a mission spanning from December 23 to 29, 2024, the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, along with other security agencies, destroyed 20 illegal oil refineries, seized over 90,000 litres of stolen oil, and arrested eight suspects.
The operation took place across Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Delta States. It was part of ongoing efforts to combat economic sabotage, with the Nigerian Army focusing on illegal oil theft and refining in the region.
Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, shared details of the operation. He emphasized the importance of the Army’s commitment to stopping illegal oil operations. The joint efforts led to several key outcomes:
- Destruction of 20 illegal refining sites
- Seizure of 21 boats used in criminal activities
- Recovery of 90,000 litres of stolen oil
- Arrest of eight suspects involved in the illegal oil trade
A key part of the operation was in Buguma, Asari-Toru Local Government Area, where the Army discovered a large tarpaulin reservoir containing 37,000 litres of stolen oil. The team also encountered resistance from armed individuals at Ogajiama in Buguma/Bakana but successfully dismantled a refinery site, seizing equipment and 9,000 litres of refined kerosene.
The Army’s efforts extended to other parts of the Niger Delta. In the Krakrama community of Degema LGA, two illegal refineries were dismantled, and 2,000 litres of stolen oil were seized. The Army also discovered over 2,000 litres of stolen oil at refinery sites in Gbede, Omoku, and Odagwa-Imo Riverside in Etche LGA.
In the Imo River region, seven illegal refineries were found, leading to the recovery of over 10,000 litres of stolen oil. The operation also uncovered illegal refining activities in Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom, where thousands of litres of stolen oil were seized, including at a filling station in Ibaka, Akwa Ibom.
The operation’s success was praised by Major General Jamal Abdussalam, the General Officer Commanding the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army. He commended the troops for their dedication and encouraged them to remain vigilant in their fight against illegal oil activities.
The Army also called on the public to provide valuable information to help continue efforts to protect the region’s oil resources and combat economic sabotage.
This operation highlights the Nigerian Army’s ongoing efforts to safeguard the Niger Delta and disrupt illegal oil refining activities that harm the region’s economy.
