Troops Intensify Anti-Oil Theft Operations, Recover 700,000 Litres
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division, collaborating with other security agencies, have sustained significant operations against oil theft in the Niger Delta from Oct. 28 to Nov. 3, 2024. These efforts led to the deactivation of 29 illegal refining sites, the arrest of 24 suspects, the destruction of 14 boats, and the recovery of over 700,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.
In Rivers State, troops intercepted a large wooden boat carrying over 150,000 litres of stolen crude in Kula, Akuku-Toru LGA, leading to the arrest of six suspects. Additional operations in the area uncovered another boat with 50,000 litres of crude and deactivated three illegal refining sites containing over 20,000 litres of stolen AGO. In nearby Kay and Abesa, 10 illegal sites were dismantled, yielding 400,000 litres of refined AGO.
Similar successes were recorded in Bayelsa State, where troops deactivated sites and seized thousands of litres of crude and AGO along Boma Creek and Obughene Creek. In Akwa Ibom, vehicles loaded with concealed AGO were intercepted, resulting in arrests and the seizure of over 3,000 litres. Delta State operations led to the arrest of a tricycle operator smuggling stolen iron pipes and the discovery of an illegal storage dump.
Major General Jamal Abdussalam commended the troops and urged continued vigilance. Community leaders were called upon to aid in the fight against oil theft and bunkering, emphasizing the collective responsibility to secure the region.
