Troop Dismantle 19 Illegal Refinery Sites Confiscate Cotonou Boats Used To Convey Stolen Crude th

The ongoing anti illegal oil bunkering operations has continued to record operational successes. In the latest feat, achieved from 2-8 December, 2024, troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army conducted operations at several fronts, denying economic saboteurs freedom of action to compromise pipelines. The operations also resulted in the dismantling of 19 illegal refining sites, arrest of several oil thieves, demobilisation of 21 boats, used for crude theft as well as confiscation of over 170,000 litres of stolen products across the Division’s Area of Responsibility.

In Rivers State, Cotonou boats, with one fully loaded with over 34,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), were intercepted around Okarki in Ahoada West LGA. Relatedly, at Ogbonga Forest in Bonny Island Local Government Area (LGA), troops uncovered an illegal refining site with over 30,000 litres of stolen crude oil. At Bakana/Buguma general area, in Degema and Asari-Toru LGAs, with a big pot containing unquantified products suspected to be stolen crude. In Okrika LGA, troops discovered an illegal connection point with a valve on NNPC pipeline with about 2,000 meters of three inches hose connected to a storage pit containing over 20,000 litres of stolen crude. Three receivers, six locally made boats with 14,000 litres of stolen crude oil were confiscated. Similarly, around Amoha – Mgbede area, one illegal refining site, 16 locally made metal oven drums, 211 sacks ladened with over 13,000 litres of stolen crude, 20 sacks loaded with 1,200 litres of illegally refined AGO were recovered.

At Idu flow station in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, three suspected oil thieves were sighted at Oando pipeline, in the process of vandalizing the pipeline. In an attempt to apprehended the criminals, one ran into the bush, while the other who attempt to escape was demobilised. Items recovered, include pliers, saw, hammer and fabricated F angle pipes used to compromise pipelines. At Kula in Akuku-Toru LGA, two suspected oil thieves were arrested in one wooden boat loaded with vandalised pipeline rails and cylinders, concealed with sacks of periwinkles. Suspects have been handed over to the National Security and Civil Defence Corps for prosecution. While, at the Imo River bunkering corridor, ten illegal refining sites, seven boats, 38 drum pots, 22 metal container receivers were destroyed with over 13,000 litres of products confiscated. This was in addition to a tanker truck fully loaded with stolen products, traced to an illegal connection point intercepted at Rukpoku general area.

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While in Bayelsa State, at Kalabilema general area in Nembe, one illegal refining site with over 2,000 litres of illegally refined AGO was deactivated. Also, around Igbomotoru Creek in Southern Ijaw, one illegal refining site and one wooden boat suspected to be used for oil theft was intercepted.

The Division also conducted operations in Akwa Ibom State, around Enwang II, in Mbo LGA. The operation, was conducted following credible intelligence, which led to the interception of 43 drums loaded with 280 liters of premium motor spirit each, estimated to be 12,040 litres. The products were being prepared for smuggling to a neighbouring country.

In Delta State, four suspected oil thieves were arrested at Koko in Warri LGA. They were arrested for conveying 35 drums of black oil estimated to be over 7,000 litres in a Mercedes Benz truck with Reg No BKH 660 XA Delta. Troops also responded to information on illegal oil bunkering activities at Ugbokodo area in Okpe, where they discovered several sacks ladened with over 2,000 litres of stolen crude. At NNPC/PAN Ocean company pipeline, in Idemili Community, Ndokwa West LGA, troops discovered a compromised pipeline. The vandals were observed to have fixed a valve on the pipeline with further attempt to connect pipes for siphoning crude. They fled on sighting troops. Several items were recovered, including pipes, wielding cables, shovels rubber buckets and black leathers.

DANJUMA JONAH DANJUMA
Lieutenant Colonel
Acting Deputy Director
6 Division Army Public Relations
8 December 2024