Army Neutralises Vandals, Destroys 13 Illegal Refining Sites In Niger Delta

In a major crackdown on oil theft in the Niger Delta, operatives of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army have neutralised two armed vandals involved in illegal oil bunkering, recovered two AK-47 rifles, and arrested 18 suspects across multiple states in the region.

In its intensified efforts to combat illegal refining activities, the army reported the destruction of 13 illegal refining sites, the seizure of seven boats, and the uncovering of eight illicit connection points. Over 60,000 litres of stolen petroleum products were also confiscated during the operations.

These details were contained in a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Danjuma, the Acting Deputy Director of Public Relations for the 6 Division, and made available to journalists in Port Harcourt.

Danjuma attributed these operational successes to the army’s ongoing anti-illegal bunkering operations, which are aimed at tackling oil theft and related criminal activities in the oil-rich region. He revealed recent actions in Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom states.

According to Danjuma, the army received credible intelligence regarding an attempt to vandalise a Nigerian Agip Oil Company pipeline near Upatabo Community in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State. Upon arrival, the troops were engaged in a firefight with the criminals, resulting in the neutralisation of two vandals, the recovery of weapons, and the seizure of ammunition. Other group members reportedly fled, but efforts to apprehend them are ongoing.

In another operation at Bille in Degema LGA, the army destroyed four illegal refining sites and confiscated over 6,000 litres of stolen products. Similarly, at Odagba village near the Imo River, troops intercepted two boats containing over 5,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.

Further north, in Ndoni, suspected oil thieves fled the scene, abandoning two vehicles loaded with an estimated 1,700 litres of illegally refined petroleum products.

Surveillance operations led to the arrest of additional suspects near an illegal connection point along Edia Bridge in Rivers State.

Other regional operations included destroying illegal refining sites and the interception of vehicles and boats laden with stolen products in Delta, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom states. Notably, troops deactivated sites along the Nun River in Bayelsa and the Obotoro Creek, seizing over 10,000 litres of stolen crude oil in the process.

Major General Jamal Abdussalam, the General Officer Commanding the 6 Division, praised the troops for their commitment and pledged that the army would continue to safeguard the nation’s vital infrastructure in the Niger Delta region. He emphasised that ongoing efforts would be sustained to ensure the security of the region’s resources and prevent further vandalism.

All suspects arrested during the operations have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for prosecution, while the army’s operational mandate handles confiscated products.