Army Destroys 37 Illegal Refineries in Niger Delta

October 14, 2024 EMMANUEL ADEBAYO AJIBOLA

The 6th Division of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, has dismantled 37 illegal refining sites and intercepted 12 boats, nine vehicles, and motorcycles used for transporting stolen products. Eight suspects were arrested, and over 230,000 litres of stolen products were recovered in the Niger Delta.

Additionally, the troops successfully thwarted attempts to steal crude oil from pipelines within the joint operation area. Lt-Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division, Army Public Relations, reported in a statement that the troops destroyed an illegal refining site and recovered 9,000 litres of stolen Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in Abesa, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area (LGA), Rivers State. He also noted that the troops intercepted a large wooden boat carrying over 120,000 litres of stolen crude oil.

In addition, at Eteo Setraco Junction in Eleme LGA, the troops uncovered an illegal connection point leading to a facility with a high fence, identified as a criminal loading site, where two tanker trucks were caught loading stolen crude. The operation resulted in the recovery of over 40,000 litres of stolen products and the arrest of five guards.

The statement read, “Similarly, in a separate operation conducted, troops recorded successes at Imo Riverside, resulting in the destruction of over 30 illegal refining sites, 44 cooking pots, six wooden boats, and a small tanker barge with over 20,000 litres of stolen products recovered.

“The products were recovered around Assa, Lekuma, Abiama, and Okoloma, Oha-Obu, Ikwuriator East, Southern Ukanafun 1, Oyigbo, and Obuzor Creeks. Along the Bolo Onne creeks, one inactive refining site with an oven, two receivers, one coolant, and a long hose were destroyed.

“While at Omoku Elele Road, troops intercepted one golf waggon vehicle with Reg No. SSM 248 TH Abia State, conveying 17 sacks of stolen condensates, estimated to be over 1,200 litres. The driver abandoned the vehicle and fled into the bush on sighting troops.”

Danjuma stated that the troops achieved significant operational successes near Krakrama in Asari-Toru LGA, where they destroyed an illegal refining site and two locally made boats while recovering over 13,000 stolen products.

“The situation in Ogba/Ndoni/Egbema LGA was the same, particularly along the Egi River, where one illegal refining site, 12 drums, sacks, and two wooden boats were destroyed, as well as over 3,500 litres of stolen crude confiscated.”

Danjuma reported that in the vicinity of Ajatitor and Clough Creeks in Ekeremor LGA, troops dismantled three illegal refining sites and seized a wooden boat carrying more than 7,000 litres of stolen crude oil and 3,000 litres of illegally refined AGO. He also mentioned that, acting on credible intelligence regarding illegal bunkering near Well 15 Tunu, also in Ekeremor LGA, troops intercepted a wooden boat loaded with over 2,000 litres of AGO.

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“At Golubokiri in Nembe LGA, Bayelsa State, troops deactivated one illegal refining site with over 2,500 litres of stolen crude confiscated. The same feat was replicated at Ejie and Tubo creeks in Southern Ijaw, where troops destroyed 4 wooden boats and recovered over 5,000 litres of stolen products hidden in the creeks.“Also, at Okarki in Ahoada West, a Toyota Avalon with Reg No. LSD 186 AP loaded with over 1,500 litres of stolen AGO was intercepted and handled appropriately.

He reported that troops in Delta State intercepted a Mack truck equipped with a mounted hose, about to steal crude oil from the Heritage Oil Company pipeline in Olomoro community, Isoko South LGA. Danjuma added that the criminals fled, abandoning the vehicle as troops closed in on them. Additionally, at the Opumami Oil Field in Warri South LGA, a wooden boat was intercepted while stealing crude oil from a wellhead in the area.

The statement read further: “In Akwa Ibom State, following tip-off, troops arrested one suspect with a Toyota Camry with Reg No. BDG 376 GX conveying 25 nylon bags of stolen AGO along Abak Ukanafun in Abak LGA. All products confiscated across the region and suspects arrested have been handled appropriately.

“Troops of 6 Division have effectively tightened the nose against criminal elements, with more successes being recorded at the heels of the visit by the Hon. Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar.

“While appreciating troops for the exploits thus far, the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Jamal Abdussalam, charged them to make the region untenable for criminal elements and to implement a regime that enables exploration activities to take place unhindered.

“He also urged the good people of the region to always provide credible information to security agencies on the activities of economic saboteurs and associated crimes.”