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Nigerian troops have intensified their efforts to combat crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism, dismantling more than 30 illegal refining sites and seizing over 20,000 litres of stolen products. The operation also led to the confiscation of 44 cooking pots and six wooden boats along the Imo River, according to a statement from Army headquarters.
The crackdown took place across several areas, including Assa, Lekuma, Abiama, Okoloma, Oha-Obu, Ikwuriator East, Southern Ukanafun 1, Oyigbo, and Obuzor Creeks. Troops destroyed an inactive refining site in the Bolo Onne creeks, which contained equipment such as an oven, two receivers, a coolant, and a long hose.
The statement emphasized the ongoing collaboration between the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division and other security agencies in maintaining a strong operational presence in the Niger Delta Region (NDR). Their combined efforts have successfully prevented crude oil theft, intercepted stolen products, and disrupted attempts to siphon oil from compromised pipelines.
Last week alone, 37 illegal refining sites were dismantled, with the interception of 12 boats, nine vehicles, and four motorcycles carrying stolen products. Authorities arrested eight suspects and recovered more than 230,000 litres of stolen products during these operations.
In Rivers State, troops destroyed an illegal refining site in the Abesa area of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, recovering 9,000 litres of stolen Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). A subsequent search of the waterways led to the interception of a large wooden boat carrying over 120,000 litres of stolen crude oil.
Further operations at the ETEO SETRACO junction in Eleme Local Government Area uncovered an illegal connection point linked to a high-fenced facility used for criminal activities. Troops intercepted two tanker trucks loading stolen crude oil, resulting in the recovery of more than 40,000 litres of stolen products and the arrest of five guards.
