Army Confiscates Over 130,000 Litres Of Stolen Products In Niger Delta

In the Niger Delta Region, oil theft continues to be a top priority for the 6 Division Nigerian Army, working with other security forces.

Between December 16 and 22, 2024, the operations led to the dismantling of 37 illegal refining sites, the arrest of 10 suspected oil thieves, and the recovery of over 130, 000 litres of stolen petroleum products.

Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, provided more information in a statement.

The statement highlighted key achievements, including destroying nine illegal refining sites at Obiafu in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni (ONELGA) LGA, Rivers State. Troops also confiscated 176 cooking drums, several pumping machines, and over 60, 000 litres of stolen products, including crude oil, Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK). At the location, four alleged oil thieves were detained.

In Asari-Toru LGA, three illegal refining sites and a large boat were dismantled with 24, 000 litres of stolen products recovered. Similarly, at Degema LGA, troops deactivated illegal sites and intercepted three boats carrying over 16, 000 litres of stolen crude and refined products. The destruction of refining equipment and the recovery of 15, 000 litres of stolen goods were the result of operations at Ozorchi Forest in Abua/Odual and along Imo River.

In Bayelsa State, troops also thwarted attempts to destroy pipelines and torment refining facilities. An abandoned attempt to compromise Shell Petroleum Development Company’s pipeline was discovered in Ekeremor LGA while 2, 000 litres of stolen crude were taken from Kunsho Creek in Southern Ijaw LGA.

A tanker truck, which was positioned to siphon crude oil from a pipeline, was reportedly intercepted at Delta State’s Obiukwole Community in Ethiope East LGA.

This is because four alleged oil thieves were detained and a concealed hose connected to the truck was discovered by the troops.

Meanwhile, in Akwa Ibom State, troops maintained patrols across the hinterlands and waterways to deter criminal activities.

On his part, the General Officer Commanding of 6 Division, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, commended the troops ‘ efforts and urged them to sustain their vigilance.

Source: Channels TV