Troops from the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division have successfully apprehended 43 suspected oil thieves during a series of coordinated raids across Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers States.
The operations, which took place between March 31 and April 6, also led to the dismantling of 14 illegal artisanal refineries. According to the division’s spokesman, Lt.-Col. Danjuma Danjuma, the soldiers seized a staggering 254,000 litres of stolen petroleum products, including crude oil and refined products, and confiscated 14 boats used in the illicit trade.
The operations, which targeted various illegal refinery sites, yielded significant recoveries. In Delta State, troops raided the Old Ogorode community, where they discovered 90,000 litres of stolen petroleum products loaded into a bus. The soldiers also seized numerous drums, tanks, and pumping equipment, arresting two suspects in the process. In Amukpe, Sapele, the army intercepted a truck carrying over 13,000 litres of stolen crude oil and arrested three individuals linked to the crime. Additionally, in Rivers State, troops dismantled illegal refining sites, recovering more than 83,000 litres of stolen crude oil and other illicit petroleum products.
In Bayelsa, the troops destroyed several illegal refineries and seized 13,500 litres of stolen crude oil. The army’s efforts also led to the destruction of over nine cooking drums, 11 ovens, and a reservoir pit used in the illegal refining process. Major-General Emmanuel Emekah, the General Officer Commanding the 6 Division, praised the troops for their success and reiterated the army’s commitment to supporting efforts aimed at boosting the nation’s oil production and safeguarding the economy.