Oil theft: Army destroys 13 illegal refining sites, seizes stolen crude

In a major blow to oil thieves, the Nigerian Army(NA) has successfully deactivated 13 illegal refining sites in the Niger Delta region, seizing over 250,000 litres of stolen crude oil and 10,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).

According to Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah, Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, the intelligence-led operation was conducted by 29 Battalion in conjunction with other security agencies at the fringes of the Imo River, a notorious hotspot for illegal bunkering activities.

The area, bordering Abia and Rivers States, is a thickly forested region that has long been a haven for criminals engaging in large-scale economic sabotage, hidden from air reconnaissance.

He said the operation marked a significant milestone in the Army’s bid to consolidate operational successes and maintain control of the operating environment in the Niger Delta.

He said: “29 Battalion in conjunction with other security agencies led to the successful deactivation of over thirteen (13) illegal refining sites, with massive dugouts, which had Seven(7) filled with over Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand(250,000) litres of stolen crude.

“This was in addition to over Ten Thousand(10,000) litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil(AGO), as well as other associated products uncovered in the area.”

Also, troops of 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army, intercepted a Toyota Bus conveying over 20 bags of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) estimated to be over 1000 litres.

Lt Col Danjuma noted that the bus, with registration number UYY 962 MJ, was stopped at Abeapo Community along Road Onna – Eket in Onna LGA of Akwa Ibom State, following a tip-off.

He said three suspects have been arrested and are currently being questioned.

Meanwhile, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, praised the troops for their success and warned criminal elements in the region to embrace legitimate livelihoods or face the full force of the law.

He also urged them to refrain from sabotaging critical national infrastructures and assets.