The Nigerian Army’s 6 Division has launched a comprehensive crackdown on crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta region. The operation, code-named “Delta Shield,” has resulted in the destruction of over 40 illegal refining sites, the arrest of several wooden boats, and the confiscation of a staggering 180,000 liters of illegally refined products.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Director of Army Public Relations at the 6 Division, the operation was conducted in conjunction with other security agencies to disrupt the illicit crude oil trade and deny criminal elements freedom of action. The crackdown has yielded significant successes, including the confiscation of large quantities of stolen crude oil and illegally refined products, such as automotive gas oil.
In Okrika LGA, troops destroyed six illegal refining sites, confiscated over 45,000 liters of illegal crude oil, and recovered various equipment and materials. Similar operations in Degema LGA and Bayelsa State resulted in the seizure of arrested wooden boats and fibre boats containing stolen crude. In Delta State, troops intercepted a truck carrying 33,000 liters of illegally refined products and destroyed an active illegal refining site containing stolen crude.
Major General Jamal Abdussalam, General Officer Commanding 6 Division, commended the troops for their operational exploits and urged them to sustain the pressure against economic saboteurs as the operation progresses. The Nigerian Army remains committed to protecting the country’s economic interests and ensuring security in the Niger Delta region.
The destruction of over 40 illegal refining sites has dealt a significant blow to the illicit crude oil trade. Several wooden boats were arrested, further disrupting the supply chain of stolen crude oil. The confiscation of 180,000 liters of illegally refined products has prevented these items from entering the market. In Okrika LGA, 45,000 liters of illegal crude oil were confiscated, while in Delta State, 33,000 liters of illegally refined products were intercepted. These successes demonstrate the effectiveness of Operation Delta Shield in combating crude oil theft and illegal refining activities.
The Nigerian Army’s efforts to combat crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta region are ongoing. With Operation Delta Shield, the Army has sent a clear message to economic saboteurs: we will protect our country’s economic interests at all costs.
