Troops Recover Over 90,000 Litres Of Stolen Products, Dismantle 20 Illegal Refineries In N’Delta

In a major blow to economic saboteurs in the Niger Delta Region, troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, have recovered over 90,000 litres of stolen products and dismantled 20 illegal refining sites.

The operation, which was conducted in conjunction with other security agencies, took place between December 23 and 29, 2024.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Port Harcourt, the troops responded effectively to tip-offs on illegal activities in various parts of the region.

They discovered and dismantled 20 illegal refining sites, seized various equipment and machinery used for illegal refining, and recovered over 90,000 litres of stolen products.

The recovered products include stolen condensates, Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), and Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

He said the troops also arrested 8 suspected oil thieves and deactivated 21 boats used for illegal activities.

He said: “In one of the operations, troops responded to a tip-off on illegal activities around Buguma general area in Asari-Toru LGA. They discovered a massive tarpaulin storage reservoir and a wooden boat with over 37,000 litres of stolen condensates.

“In another operation, troops had a gun duel with criminal elements at Ogajiama axis of Buguma/Bakana general area, also in Asari-Toru LGA. This led to the recovery of an illegal refining site, one big pot, and a receiver containing 9,000 litres of illegally refined DPK.”

He added: “The troops also recorded successes in other parts of the region. In Krakrama Community in Degema LGA, they dismantled two illegal refining sites, seized four fibre and three wooden boats, and recovered about 2,000 litres of stolen crude. At Gbede in Omoku, one illegal refining site was dismantled, and 27 locally made ovens and 31 sacks loaded with over 2,000 litres of stolen products were confiscated.

“Furthermore, troops discovered an illegal refining site at Odagwa – Imo Riverside in Etche LGA, where they recovered two drum pots, a wooden boat, and over 3,500 litres of stolen products. At the fringes of Imo River, seven illegal refining sites were dismantled, and six boats, 122 drum pots, 49 drum receivers, and over 10,000 litres of stolen products were recovered.

“In Bayelsa State, troops dismantled one illegal refining site and confiscated about 8,000 litres of stolen products. Additionally, in Akwa Ibom State, eleven 280-litre drums loaded with about 3,080 litres of PMS were intercepted, and an additional 31 drums of PMS estimated at 8,680 litres were recovered.”

Meanwhile, the General Officer Commanding,(GOC), 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, commended the troops for their efforts and charged them to continue maintaining vigilance in the Joint Operations Area.

He also called on the public to provide actionable intelligence to troops on the activities of economic saboteurs in the region.

Troops Recover Over 90,000 Litres Of Stolen Products, Dismantle 20 Illegal Refineries In N’Delta is first published on The Whistler Newspaper