In a significant crackdown on crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism, Nigerian troops have successfully dismantled over 30 illegal refining sites and recovered more than 20,000 litres of stolen petroleum products. The operation, conducted in collaboration with the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies, is part of ongoing efforts to maintain operational momentum in the Niger Delta Region (NDR).
The troops’ recent activities led to the confiscation of 44 cooking pots and six wooden boats along the Imo River. The statement from Army headquarters detailed the locations of the recovered products, which were found around Assa, Lekuma, Abiama, Okoloma, Oha-Obu, Ikwuriator East, Southern Ukanafun 1, Oyigbo, and Obuzor Creeks. Notably, one inactive refining site was destroyed near the Bolo Onne creeks, which included an oven, two receivers, a coolant, and a long hose.
The recent operation follows a previous week where 37 illegal refining sites were dismantled, along with the interception of 12 boats, 9 vehicles, and 4 motorcycles carrying stolen products. In total, 8 suspects were apprehended, and over 230,000 litres of stolen products were recovered.
In Rivers State, troops destroyed an illegal refining site in the Abesa area of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area (LGA), recovering 9,000 litres of stolen Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). Further combing of the waterways led to the interception of a large wooden boat containing over 120,000 litres of stolen crude oil.
During an operation at the ETEO SETRACO junction in Eleme LGA, troops discovered an illegal connection point associated with a high-fenced facility identified as a criminal loading point. In this operation, two tanker trucks were intercepted while loading stolen crude, resulting in the recovery of over 40,000 litres of stolen products and the arrest of five guards.
These efforts underscore the military’s commitment to combating oil theft and ensuring the security of Nigeria’s vital oil infrastructure.