The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, based in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has launched a major operation against illegal oil refining in the Niger Delta, resulting in the deactivation of three artisanal refineries, the arrest of five suspects, and the recovery of over 100,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (diesel).
In a statement released on Sunday, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah, the Division’s Assistant Director of Public Relations, highlighted the successful operation in Degema. One site was found to have a dugout containing over 12,000 litres of stolen diesel. Additionally, a large wooden boat carrying over 7,000 litres of stolen condensates was intercepted, and two more illegal refining sites were deactivated in the Bille area of Degema Local Government Area (LGA).
This operation was part of a series of coordinated efforts across Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Delta states, aimed at curbing oil theft and illegal refining activities in the region.
The statement detailed, “In Rivers State, operations led to the deactivation of three artisanal refineries, the arrest of several oil thieves, and the recovery of over 100,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil around Abesa in Akuku-Toru LGA. In the Bukuma area of Degema LGA, one illegal refining site containing over 12,000 litres of stolen AGO was deactivated, along with the interception of a wooden boat loaded with over 3,000 litres of stolen products.”
Further investigations revealed attempts by five suspected oil thieves to compromise the Oando pipeline near the Obiafo Oil Field. Authorities recovered various items at the site, including 11 sacks of stolen products and three drilling machines.
The crackdown also led to the arrest of an oil thief in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, who was found in possession of a locally-made revolver loaded with six rounds of 7.26mm ammunition. At the Odagwa Community, another dugout pit was destroyed, yielding 5,000 litres of stolen crude. Troops also recovered quantities of stolen products stored in nylon bags, estimated to exceed 2,000 litres.
In Ahoada East LGA, troops intercepted a Toyota Sienna loaded with 25 sacks of suspected condensates, totaling around 1,500 litres. They also seized a double-barrel gun. In Ahoada West LGA, authorities confiscated 34 nylon bags, estimated to contain 1,800 litres of stolen condensates. Across the Imo Riverside, 16 illegal refining sites were dismantled, with 50 drum pots destroyed and several wooden boats seized, totaling over 10,000 litres of stolen products.
Major General Jamal Abdussalam, the General Officer Commanding the division, commended the troops for their perseverance and urged them to maintain their presence in the area to foster a conducive environment for socio-economic activities in the region.