By Victor Akaa.
Troops of the 6 Division Nigerian Army (NA), in collaboration with other security agencies, have conducted a series of coordinated operations spanning from October 28 to November 3, 2024, making significant strides in combating oil theft in the Niger Delta region .
Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma Acting Deputy Director 6 Division Army Public Relations in a statement said the operations resulted in the deactivation of 29 illegal refining sites, arrested 24 oil thieves, and the destroyed 14 boats used for stealing crude oil.
The statement added that notable breakthrough was achieved in Rivers State, where troops intercepted a massive wooden boat laden with over 150,000 litres of stolen crude oil in the Kula general area of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area. Six suspects connected to the crime were apprehended, and a separate operation in the same area led to the interception of another wooden boat carrying over 50,000 litres of crude oil.
Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma noted that, three illegal refining sites were deactivated, and several large cooking pots containing over 20,000 litres of stolen Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) were recovered. He also said , ten illegal refining sites were destroyed with over 400,000 liter of illegally refined AGO confiscated, around Kay and Abesa areas in Akuku- Toru LGA.
He further stated that several other successes were recorded in Bayelsa State, where troops deactivated two illegal refining sites and intercepted two wooden boats carrying over 2,500 litres of stolen crude oil.
Similar operations were conducted in Akwa Ibom and Delta States, resulting in the arrest of several suspects and the recovery of thousands of litres of stolen products.
“In Akwa Ibom State, troops intercepted two Toyota Camry with Reg Nos AYB 704 FQ and KY 379 EB loaded with illegally refined AGO concealed in 60 nylon bags and 25 nylon bags respectively.
“The products were estimated to be over 3,000 litres. Two persons have been arrested in the vehicles. Also, along road Ikot Abasi – Abak, one Toyota Camry with Reg No KTS 277 LN loaded with 30 nylon bags of illegally refined AGO was intercepted and the driver was also arrested.
“In Delta State, several operations were conducted, where troops intercepted a tricycle at Beneku, conveying stolen iron pipes at a Community in Kwale, Ndokwa West LGA. The pipes were suspected to be stolen from Oando non operational pipelines.
“One suspect, Stanley Asikewe who is notorious for illegally cutting iron pipes along side the tricycle operator, Jerry Okwuagu have been taken into custody.
“Additionally, troops acting on tip off swooped on an illegal storage dump at Patani town, in Patani LGA. The dump contained over 40 jerricans of 25 litres of stolen products. Likewise at Uro Community waterways in Isoko South LGA, troops intercepted one wooden boat conveying over 200 sacks of premium motor spirit.
“The occupants fled on sighting troops. Around Opete Sand beach at Aladja general area in Udu LGA, troops discovered one makeshift shop by the River bank stocked with several jerricans of stolen AGO.
“All the people arrested have been handed over to the appropriate agency for prosecution, while products confiscated have been handled accordingly inline with subsisting operational mandate.” he stated.
The General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, commended the troops for their successes and urged them to sustain the tempo to clear the region of criminal elements. He also called on community leaders to take ownership of the fight against illegal oil bunkering.
