Nigerian Army Destroys Illegal Refineries, Arrests Eight in Niger Delta

The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has successfully dismantled 20 illegal oil refining sites, confiscated 90,000 litres of stolen products, and arrested eight suspects in a sweeping operation across the Niger Delta.

The operation, conducted in collaboration with other security agencies, spanned Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Delta States between December 23 and December 29, 2024.

This was disclosed in a statement on Sunday by the Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, who described the operation as a sustained offensive against economic sabotage in the region.

“Troops of 6 Division, in conjunction with other security agencies, have sustained the onslaught against economic saboteurs.

“This effort led to the dismantling of 20 illegal refining sites, the arrest of eight suspected oil thieves, and the deactivation of 21 boats used in criminal activities.

“Additionally, over 90,000 litres of stolen products were recovered,” Danjuma said.

In Asari-Toru Local Government Area, Rivers State, troops discovered a massive tarpaulin storage reservoir and a wooden boat containing over 37,000 litres of stolen condensates.

A gun battle with criminal elements at the Ogajiama axis led to the recovery of 9,000 litres of illegally refined kerosene and the arrest of three suspects.

Further operations in Degema and Omoku uncovered more illegal refining sites, boats, and stolen crude oil, amounting to thousands of litres.

In Etche Local Government Area, troops seized over 3,500 litres of stolen products.

In Bayelsa State, operations in Biseni Forest led to the dismantling of a refining site and the confiscation of 8,000 litres of stolen crude.

Another site at Opukushi in Ekeremor Local Government Area revealed attempts to vandalize Shell Petroleum Development Company’s facilities.

In Akwa Ibom, troops intercepted 31 drums of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at a filling station in Ibaka, suspected to be destined for smuggling to a neighbouring country.

Lt. Col. Danjuma noted that both kinetic and non-kinetic operations were employed in Delta State to disrupt criminal activities.

These measures have effectively denied saboteurs freedom of action in the area.

The General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, commended the troops for their vigilance and urged them to sustain their efforts.

He also called on residents to provide actionable intelligence to aid in the fight against economic sabotage.

The operations are part of ongoing efforts to secure the Niger Delta region and create a safe environment for legitimate exploration and production activities.

Further investigations are underway, and the suspects are expected to face prosecution.