EMMANUEL NLEWEDUM, Port Harcourt
In an effort aimed at sustaining the crackdown against economic sabotage and associated crimes in the Niger Delta Region, the Nigerian Army said it’s troops from the 6 Division, with headquarters in Rivers State have thwarted several attempts at re-establishing new illegal refineries and bunkering camps in the region.
The Army said the troops, during a joint operation with other security agencies between 7th – 13th April, 2025 arrested twenty-eight suspected oil thieves, dismantled 18 illegal bunkering sites, and recovered over 72,000 litres of stolen products across the region.
The Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma in a statement issued in Port Harcourt explained that, “In Rivers State, the troops scaled up operational activities, which effectively thwarted attempts by the criminals to set up new illegal bunkering sites.
“This was evident around Joinkrama 4 Forest in Ahoada West Local Government Area (LGA), where wielding and cutting machines, with several newly constructed drums, were recovered.
“Also, following credible intelligence, troops raided De Tropicana Hotel in Ahoada East LGA and intercepted two Toyota Camry vehicles with over 1,300 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO) in sacks.
The drivers abandoned their vehicles and fled.” Danjuma noted that 3 suspects were arrested on site, around Krakrama Wellhead 12 at Bille in Degema LGA, while attempting to compromise the facility.
Furthermore, he said the troops combed the area and recovered three wooden boats loaded with over 1,500 litres of stolen crude, while 4 suspected vandals were arrested in follow-up operations conducted at the Wellhead 12.
Similarly, the 6 Division Spokesperson said, “Clearance operations were conducted at the fringes of Imo River with 6 illegal refining sites deactivated, 41 drum pots, 18 drum receivers destroyed and 540 sacks filled with over 11,000 litres of stolen products recovered.
“Troops also thwarted several attempts by the economic saboteurs to re-establish their nefarious hubs at the fringes of the Imo River, with seizures as well as various newly constructed drum pots and receivers destroyed.”
He added that; “In Delta State, along Koko – Obitigbo road, troops intercepted canter truck, Ford bus and fuel tanker conveying over 25,200 litres of stolen products.
“Additionally, in a separate operation conducted, a fuel tanker conveying over 10,000 litres of stolen crude was intercepted at Koko.”
Continuing, Danjuma disclosed that around Oton – Urakpa area in Sapele LGA, the troops also discovered an illegal oil bunkering camp located in a forest. Saying, “Further exploration of the forest led to the recovery of various items, including 100 cellophane bags filled with over 3,350 litres, one drum of illegally refined AGO and one big iron tank also filled with illegally refined AGO.
Others included three empty drums, two ovens, a lengthy rubber hose and connected iron pipes spanning over a reasonable distance.”
In Bayelsa State, around Biseni Community in Yenagoa LGA (YELGA), he noted that three illegal refining sites, with several refining facilities, with over 2,100 litres of stolen crude stocked in dugout pits were handled appropriately.
At Okordia also in YELGA, an illegal refining site was deactivated with over 1,500 litres of stolen products recovered.
While in Akwa Ibom State, along the Okobo-Uyo road in Okobo LGA, troops cumulatively intercepted 8 jerricans of 30 litres capacity each filled with AGO.
All the suspects arrested have been handed over to the relevant agencies for prosecution, while products were handled in line with extant operational mandate.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah while commending the troops for their resilience, reassured the people of the region of the enabling environment for socio-economic activities to thrive.
The GOC, however, warned criminal elements to desist from indulging in mindless economic sabotage or be ready to face the consequences of their actions.
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