Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in the Niger Delta, have struck a major blow against oil thieves by destroying over 27 newly established illegal refining sites and seizing more than 100,000 litres of stolen crude during anti-illegal bunkering operations.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Division’s spokesperson, Lt. Col Jonah Danjuma, said that the troops have been conducting extensive operations across the region with remarkable success. These efforts have led to the destruction of illegal refining sites, arrests, and the seizure of stolen products.
“Notably, troops from the 29 Battalion dismantled over 23 newly established illegal refining sites and seized two storage reservoirs containing more than 80,000 litres of stolen crude,” Danjuma said.
Additionally, the troops confiscated three vehicles loaded with illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil, estimated to total over 8,000 litres.
Similarly, troops from the 16 Brigade, in collaboration with other security agencies, discovered and destroyed over four illegal refining sites in Cowthorne Channel II, Degema Local Government Area. These sites included three metal drums and pits containing approximately 6,000 litres of stolen crude.
Major General Jamal Abdussalam, General Officer Commanding the 6 Division, praised the troops for their efforts and urged them to maintain the integrity of the pipelines to ensure uninterrupted oil production. He also called on key stakeholders, especially host communities, to provide credible intelligence on criminal activities to security agencies.
The confiscated products are being handled appropriately, and the successes achieved demonstrate the effectiveness of the ongoing anti-illegal bunkering operations in the area.
