Troops from the 6th Division of the Nigerian Army, working in collaboration with other security agencies, have apprehended 28 suspected oil thieves, dismantled four illegal refineries, and seized more than 290,000 litres of stolen petroleum products in the Niger Delta region.
The acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, confirmed the operation in a statement released in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Danjuma explained that at Okrika in Okrika Local Government Area, operatives intercepted two wooden boats while they were loading Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from a vessel discharging the product at a jetty.
He added that two other boats were also intercepted in Okrika, with one carrying over 33,000 litres of stolen fuel at a jetty, while another wooden boat loaded with more than 5,000 litres of stolen petroleum products was discovered in the same area.
Danjuma revealed that following a tip-off about illegal oil bunkering activities around a pipeline near Sterling Global Company Road, Akpabo, at Elele Alimini in Emohua Local Government Area, the troops stormed the location and seized a tanker with registration number Rivers JJN 287 ZU as it exited the pipeline’s right of way.
He said the tanker was suspected to have been loaded with approximately 90,000 litres of stolen fuel from the site, confirming that two suspects, including the driver and his assistant, were arrested.
He further stated that at Okolomade in Abua/Odual Local Government Area, troops recovered over 2,600 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
According to Danjuma, along the Imo River, troops dismantled two illegal refining sites and seized three drum pots, three receivers, and more than 2,500 litres of stolen crude oil in Obuzor, Asa Asa, located in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State.
He added that at the Orashi River waterside, two wooden boats were intercepted carrying over 700 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene, and six suspects were detained in connection with the operation.
In Delta State, Danjuma said the troops, acting on credible intelligence regarding oil theft along the PAN Ocean Pipeline right of way in Ethiope East Local Government Area, raided the area. However, the suspects fled on sighting the soldiers.
“However, one suspect was arrested and various items recovered. These included vandalized pipes, hoses, a large quantity of Bagco sacks, and leather materials. Others included one Peugeot 406 car, a Camry car, one Toyota Jeep, as well as a lorry van loaded with over 1,650 litres of stolen products,” the statement said.
He added that during pipeline patrol along the Midwestern Oil and Gas Pipeline right of way at Umusan-Obodogwa in Ndokwa West Local Government Area, troops intercepted a Mercedes-Benz truck with registration number Enugu VE 174 ENU loaded with 24 pieces of 14-inch pipes and three gas cylinders.
Danjuma explained that two suspects were arrested, and the pipes were believed to have been stolen from the SEPCO Oil and Gas pipeline at Kwale.
He also reported that around Eruemukohwarien in Ughelli North Local Government Area, a Toyota Hiace bus with registration number Delta PTN 926 XA was intercepted while conveying 10 drums containing 2,500 litres of condensates, leading to the driver’s arrest.
Danjuma said that in Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom states, troops intensified both kinetic and non-kinetic operations, effectively maintaining control over the operational areas and denying criminals the ability to operate freely.
He quoted the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Eric Emekah, as praising the troops for their efforts.
The GOC further urged them to maintain the momentum in their operations against economic saboteurs and other related criminal activities across the Niger Delta region.
