
The Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, has ramped up its operations against economic saboteurs in the Niger Delta region, dismantling multiple illegal oil refining sites and seizing stolen products. The latest efforts are part of ongoing anti-bunkering operations aimed at curbing illegal activities that have plagued the region.
In a statement shared on its verified social media platforms, the Nigerian Army revealed significant achievements, including the dismantling of 20 illegal refining sites, the arrest of eight suspected oil thieves, and the deactivation of 21 boats used in illicit activities. Over 90,000 litres of stolen oil products were also recovered during the operations.
Troops responded swiftly to intelligence reports, targeting hotspots in the region. In the Buguma area of Asari-Toru Local Government Area (LGA), they discovered a large tarpaulin storage reservoir and a wooden boat containing more than 37,000 litres of stolen condensates. The operation continued in the Ogajiama area of Buguma/Bakana, where another illegal refining site was dismantled, along with a large pot and a receiver containing 9,000 litres of illegally refined Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK). Three locally made boats were also seized.
In Degema LGA, near Krakrama Community, troops intercepted two illegal refining sites, four fibre boats, and three wooden boats, as well as approximately 2,000 litres of stolen crude. In Omoku, at Gbede, another illegal refining site was dismantled, along with 27 locally made ovens and 31 sacks containing over 2,000 litres of stolen products.
Further operations around the Imo River area saw the destruction of seven illegal refining sites, six boats, and the recovery of over 10,000 litres of stolen products, along with 122 drum pots and 49 drum receivers. In Bayelsa State, a similar operation in Yenagoa LGA resulted in the dismantling of an illegal refining site and the confiscation of about 8,000 litres of stolen oil.
Additionally, troops uncovered an attempt to vandalize an inactive Shell Petroleum Development Company flowline at Opukushi in Ekeremor LGA. In Akwa Ibom State, authorities intercepted eleven 280-litre drums containing approximately 3,080 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in Enwang II, Mbo LGA.
The General Officer Commanding the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, commended the troops for their efforts and urged them to maintain heightened vigilance in the region. He emphasized the need for continued cooperation with local communities, calling on the people of the Niger Delta to provide actionable intelligence on criminal activities, which would help sustain the ongoing crackdown and foster a safer environment for legitimate business activities.
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