Nigerian Army Destroys 18 Illegal Refineries, Arrests 39 Suspects

By Charles Maduka

The Nigerian Army’s 6 Division has arrested 39 suspected oil thieves and dismantled 18 illegal refineries in an ongoing crackdown against crude oil theft in the Niger Delta.

According to a statement by Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, the operation lasted six days, from March 24 to 30, and was conducted in collaboration with other security agencies across multiple states.

The Army seized over 60,000 litres of stolen petroleum products during the operation. In Rivers State, along Ochokocho Road in Etche Local Government Area, troops intercepted a fabricated twin tank containing 18,000 litres of stolen products. A MAN Diesel container truck, disguised with bags of sawdust to conceal stolen fuel, was also stopped, though the suspects fled upon sighting security forces.

The operation extended to Imo River, where several illegal refining sites were dismantled, and 15,000 litres of stolen crude were confiscated. In Ahoada East LGA, troops shut down two refining sites and seized 2,800 litres of stolen products.

In Bayelsa, troops targeted illegal refining sites in Yenagoa and Southern Ijaw LGAs, seizing over 9,500 litres of stolen crude and illegally refined fuel.

In Delta, the operation uncovered illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in Warri South LGA, where jerricans filled with fuel and storage bags were destroyed. The crackdown also extended to Akwa Ibom State, where security forces increased patrols to disrupt oil theft activities.

Major General Emmanuel Emekah, General Officer Commanding 6 Division, ordered troops to intensify their efforts against oil theft to protect Nigeria’s oil assets. He warned criminals to abandon illegal activities or face the consequences.

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Oil theft remains a major challenge in Nigeria, costing the country billions in lost revenue annually. The military continues to ramp up efforts to secure oil-producing regions and prevent sabotage.


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