The 6th Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has reported the recovery of 700,000 liters of stolen petroleum products in a series of operations conducted from October 28 to November 3, 2024.
In a statement, Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah, the division’s Public Relations Officer, outlined the operations, which included the dismantling of 29 illegal refining sites, the arrest of 24 suspected oil thieves, and the destruction of 14 boats used in crude oil theft.
Jonah noted that in Rivers State, troops intercepted a large wooden boat carrying more than 150,000 liters of stolen crude oil in the Kula area of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area.
“In Bayelsa State, soldiers deactivated two illegal refining sites at Boma Creek in Southern Ijaw LGA, recovering storage tanks holding over 2,500 litres of stolen crude. Similarly, operations in Southern Ijaw’s Obughene Creek yielded over 4,500 litres of stolen crude, while another 3,000 litres of illicit product were seized at West Boma Creek.
“In Akwa Ibom State, troops intercepted two Toyota Camrys loaded with illegally refined diesel, hidden in nylon bags, totalling 3,000 litres. The vehicles were stopped along the Ikot Abasi-Abak road, and the drivers were detained.
“In Delta State, multiple raids were conducted, including the interception of a tricycle in Kwale, Ndokwa West LGA, carrying stolen iron pipes allegedly taken from decommissioned Oando pipelines.
“Another raid in Patani town uncovered a storage dump containing 40 jerricans of stolen products while troops patrolling Uro Community waterways intercepted a wooden boat with 200 sacks of premium motor spirit.”
The statement further noted that all apprehended suspects have been turned over to the appropriate authorities for prosecution, and the confiscated products are being managed in line with operational protocols.
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