Troops of the Nigerian Army have successfully dismantled 42 illegal refining sites, arrested 29 suspected oil thieves, and confiscated 197,000 litres of stolen products in the Niger Delta Region (NDR). These operations, which took place from December 9-15, 2024, also resulted in the demobilization of 32 boats, 12 vehicles, and eight motorcycles used for economic sabotage.
In Bayelsa State, troops deactivated four newly established illegal refining sites in Biseni Forest, Yenagoa Local Government Area, recovering about 37,000 litres of stolen crude. Similar successes were recorded in Benkrukru, Okordia Forest, and Olukama and Sabasuo areas in Nembe LGA.
Rivers State also witnessed significant operations, with troops intercepting three illegal refining sites, one wooden and five fibre boats, and recovering over 30,000 litres of stolen crude in Kula, Akuku-Toru LGA. Additionally, two illegal refining sites and two wooden boats with about 4,000 litres of stolen crude were recovered in Bille, Degema LGA.
In Delta State, troops discovered one active illegal refining site with five ovens, one boat, and about 5,000 litres of illegally refined AGO in Aronwon Community, Warri North LGA. Five suspected oil thieves were arrested in connection with the products.
Major General Jamal Abdussalam, General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, commended the troops for their efforts and reassured that the ongoing operations would be sustained to achieve the target set for December 2024.
