The Nigerian Army’s 6 Division in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has shut down three illegal refineries and seized over 100,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) in a recent operation across the Niger Delta.
The Division also arrested five suspects and confiscated a range of equipment and stolen products, according to a statement by the Division’s Assistant Director of Public Relations, Lt-Col. Danjuma Jonah.
The operation spanned several locations, including Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Delta states, with substantial recoveries and deactivations of illegal sites. In Rivers State, a significant portion of the operation targeted Degema, where an illegal refinery containing over 12,000 litres of stolen diesel was dismantled.
A large wooden boat carrying over 7,000 litres of stolen condensates was also intercepted, and two additional illegal refining sites were deactivated in the Bille area of Degema Local Government Area.
“The operations conducted in Rivers State led to the deactivation of three artisanal refineries, the arrest of several oil thieves, and the recovery of over 100,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil around Abesa in Akuku-Toru LGA,” Lt-Col. Jonah said.
The Division’s efforts also uncovered illegal operations near the Oando pipeline in the Obiafo Oil Field, where five suspects were detained. Recovered items included 11 sacks of stolen products, drilling machines, and other equipment.
Additional arrests were made in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, where troops detained an individual in possession of a locally-made revolver loaded with six rounds of ammunition.
Troops also dismantled a dugout pit in Odagwa Community containing 5,000 litres of stolen crude and recovered over 2,000 litres of stolen products in nylon bags.
In Ahoada East LGA, security forces intercepted a Toyota Sienna van filled with 25 sacks of condensates estimated at over 1,500 litres, as well as a fabricated double-barrel gun.
At Ahoada West LGA, 34 nylon bags containing approximately 1,800 litres of stolen condensates were seized. Operations along the Imo riverside saw the destruction of 16 illegal refining sites, 50 drum pots, and several wooden boats carrying over 10,000 litres of stolen products.
The Division’s General Officer Commanding, Maj-Gen. Jamal Abdussalam, praised the troops’ dedication and urged them to continue safeguarding the region.
“Your efforts are instrumental in creating a conducive environment for socio-economic activities to thrive,” Maj-Gen. Abdussalam stated. “Let us remain resolute in our mission to secure the Niger Delta and its resources.”
The crackdown demonstrates the Nigerian Army’s ongoing commitment to addressing illegal oil refining and environmental degradation in the Niger Delta.
