The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has dealt a significant blow to economic saboteurs in the Niger Delta region, destroying 20 illegal oil refining sites and recovering over 90,000 litres of stolen products. The operation, which was carried out in conjunction with other security agencies, also led to the arrest of eight suspected oil thieves and the deactivation of 21 boats used in criminal activities.
According to Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, the raid was conducted across Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Delta States between December 23 and 29, 2024. The operation was a result of sustained efforts to combat economic sabotage in the region.
Some of the notable successes of the operation include:
Discovery of a massive tarpaulin storage reservoir* and a wooden boat containing over 37,000 litres of stolen condensates in the Buguma general area of Asari-Toru Local Government Area
Dismantling of an illegal refining site* and recovery of 9,000 litres of illegally refined dual-purpose kerosene at the Ogajiama axis of the Buguma/Bakana general area
Interception of two illegal refining sites* and recovery of approximately 2,000 litres of stolen crude at the Krakrama Community in Degema LGA
Recovery of one illegal refining site*, 27 locally made ovens, and 31 sacks containing over 2,000 litres of stolen products at Gbede in Omoku
The operation also saw the recovery of *seven illegal refining sites*, six boats, 122 drum pots, 49 drum receivers, and over 10,000 litres of stolen products at the fringes of the Imo River. In Bayelsa State, one illegal refining site was dismantled, and about 8,000 litres of stolen products were confiscated.
Major General Jamal Abdussalam, General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, urged troops to maintain vigilance in the Joint Operations Area and called on the public to provide actionable intelligence on the activities of economic saboteurs .
