Rita Odafe
The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has successfully shut down 15 illegal oil refining operations as part of their ongoing efforts to combat illegal bunkering in Rivers State and other regions across the country.
In the latest operations, troops detained ten individuals, dismantled over 30 cooking pots, seized eleven vehicles, several boats, and recovered more than 115,000 litres of stolen oil products from various locations. They also confiscated numerous items used in illegal activities during these missions.
In Rivers State, following a tip-off regarding oil theft at SIAT Farm in Elele, troops intercepted a truck registered as GDD 831 ZN Anambra that was transporting around 40,000 litres of stolen crude oil. Similar operations in the Sankri area of Okrika LGA resulted in the shutdown of three illegal refining sites, the destruction of two wooden boats, and the recovery of over 26,500 litres of stolen oil.
Another significant seize occurred in the Dapama area of Degema LGA, where four illegal refining sites were dismantled alongside the capture of two wooden boats containing over 10,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and 6,000 litres of stolen crude.
Troops also targeted illegal operations along the Imo River, destroying multiple refining setups with significant cooking drums and pots.
Additionally, four wooden boats, one fibre boat, and more than 15,000 litres of stolen crude were destroyed near Okoloma, Obuzor, and Ukwa Creeks during these operations.
In a separate discovery at Freedom Kula in Akuku-Toru LGA, troops found a site of pipeline vandalism, recovering three gas cylinders and arresting one suspect.
In Ebocha, OB II and Obiafu Ndoni, four individuals were detained with over 4,000 litres of stolen condensates found in a Toyota Camry and a tricycle in Ogba/Ndoni/Egbema LGA.
At Omoku, five inactive refining sites were destroyed, and two suspects were caught in Orashi River with stolen condensates.
The intensified efforts also yielded results in Bayelsa State. Active illegal refining operations were deactivated in the Sabasuo area of Nembe LGA, resulting in the recovery of over 2,800 litres of stolen products.
In Southern Ijaw’s Amalakiri area, troops dismantled one active refining site and recovered over 2,500 litres of stolen products. A wooden boat carrying over 1,800 litres of stolen AGO, bagged, was intercepted near the Idewa/Waribokiri area in Ogbia LGA.
In Delta State, a truck registered as JJN 167 ZU Plateau was caught siphoning crude from a pipeline belonging to the Nigerian Petrolatum Development Company in Ozoro, leading to the arrest of two suspects. Further operations in the Ika South and Orhiomwon areas of Edo State apprehended multiple vehicles loaded with stolen products.
In Akwa Ibom State, troops, acting on reliable intelligence, seized three drums of premium motor spirit at the Oron waterways, suspecting them to be prepared for smuggling operations.
The military continues to maintain vigilance in its ongoing anti-bunkering efforts within the state, ensuring that economic saboteurs face strong opposition.
