By Victor Akaa
Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, have achieved significant successes in their operations against oil thieves and illegal refining sites in the Niger Delta region.
From October 21 to 27, 2024, they conducted a series of raids, resulting in the arrest of several oil thieves, recovery of arms and stolen products, and deactivation of illegal refining sites.
According to the Acting Deputy Director 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, highlights of the operations include, arrest of 27 suspected oil thieves, recovery of 215,000 litres of stolen products, 19 boats, 8 vehicles, destruction of 34 illegal refining site and recovery of arms, drilling machines, and other equipment.
In Rivers State, three artisanal refineries were deactivated, and over 100,000 liters of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) were recovered. Additionally, a large wooden boat with over 7,000 liters of stolen condensates was intercepted, and two illegal refining sites were handled appropriately.
The operations also led to the arrest of five suspected oil thieves attempting to compromise the Oando pipeline, with recovery of eleven sacks of stolen products, three drilling machines, and other items.
Furthermore, troops intercepted a Toyota Sienna loaded with 25 sacks of suspected condensates and recovered a fabricated double barrel gun.
Similar successes were recorded in Delta State, where two wooden boats stealing crude oil from a Wellhead were intercepted, and 16 cellophane bags of crude oil were recovered.
In Bayelsa State, one illegal refining site was deactivated, and a wooden boat with over 4,000 liters of stolen products was recovered .
The General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, commended the troops for their resilience and charged them to continue dominating the Joint Operations Area (JOA) to ensure a conducive environment for socio-economic activities.
