By Suleiman Anyalewechi
The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army on Monday April 28, 2025, announced the arrest of no fewer than 23 suspected oil thieves in the Niger Delta region.
It also informed that over 180,000 litres of stolen petroleum products were recovered during a series of clearance operations
A statement from the spokesperson for the Division, Lt Col Jonah Danjuma, also noted that troops, during the operations, destroyed over 13 illegal refineries as well as the seizure of several illegal refining equipment.
In Orachi/Okolomade general area of Abua/Odua Local Council, troops were said to have confiscated about 45,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gasoline.AGO,concealed in sacks in different locations in the forest.
According to Danjuma, in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Council, over 28,000 litres of stolen petroleum products in two reservoirs were seized.
“A suspect was arrested, while an 800- meter long hose ,and a pumping machine were recovered in the process.
A similar operation conducted in the Peterside area of Bonny Local Government, led to the recovery of over 10,000 litres of stolen products ,with the destruction of one illegal refining site ,the Army spokesman stated .
” In a snap operation conducted along Obrikom/Omoku ,two wooden boats conveying over 3000 litres of illegally refined AGO were intercepted
Meanwhile, seven suspected oil thieves were apprehended in connection with the heinous crime.
“The ongoing clearance operations at the fringes of the Imo River are progressing ,with several illegal refining sites ,drum pots and receivers taken out.
“Following credible intelligence, troops intercepted a tanker truck filled with 39,994 litres of stolen products along Itu/Calabar highway in Itu LGA ” Danjuma noted.
He informed that two suspects were apprehended in connection with the seizure with fake waybill papers to cover their illegal operation.
“Another clearance operation along Abak/Ikomima road in Uyo, local Council ,according to Danjuma led to the seizure of another truck laden with about 39,985 litres of stolen crude .
The Products, he said, were also being conveyed with forged documents.
The Army spokesperson noted that an intelligence- driven sting operation conducted in Ibio Ndot community in Orok Anam Local Council of Akwa Ibom State resulted in the confiscation of 103 nylon bags filled with over 3,090 litres of illegally refined AGO concealed on a cassava farm.
“In Bayelsa, around Biseni in Yenagoa Local Government Area, troops discovered an illegal refining site with over 2,600 litres of AGO in sacks.
“In the Adibawa area also in YELGA over 2,500 litres of stolen crude ,and 1,100 litres of illegally refined AGO in sacks were recovered.
“Also recovered were eight wheelbarrows used for the illicit activities. This was in addition to six suspected oil thieves arrested at the scene”,Danjuma stated.
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