The Nigerian Army has discovered 11 illegal oil bunkering sites during a six-day operation in four states — Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers. This effort was part of a mission to stop crude oil theft in the country.
Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Danjuma, the spokesperson for the Army’s 6 Division in Port Harcourt, shared the details.
During the operation, seven suspects were arrested. Soldiers seized about 13,600 litres of stolen crude oil, 4,890 litres of fake diesel, and 37,700 litres of other fuel products.
In Rivers State, soldiers raided the Imo River area and found six illegal refineries. They recovered around 11,000 litres of stolen fuel and shut down several tools used for illegal refining. They also stopped attempts to rebuild destroyed bunkering sites.
In Ahoada West, troops caught two cars carrying over 1,300 litres of illegal diesel. In another location, seven suspects were caught trying to damage an oil well. The army also found three boats filled with more than 1,500 litres of stolen crude oil.
In Delta State, soldiers seized 25,200 litres of fuel and 10,000 litres of crude oil from tankers, a truck, and a bus. They also found fake diesel stored in 100 plastic bags and tools used for oil theft.
In Bayelsa State, the army destroyed four illegal refineries and recovered over 3,600 litres of stolen and illegally refined oil in Biseni and Okordia.
In Akwa Ibom, troops found 240 litres of illegal diesel in jerrycans along the Okobo-Uyo Road.
Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma said all suspects were handed over to the right authorities for further investigation and possible court action. The Army says it will continue to go after oil thieves to protect the country’s resources.
