Again, Troops Dismantle Illegal Bunkering Sites, Recover 115,000 Litres Of Stolen Crude In Ongoing Operations In Niger Delta
By Bukar BOLORI
In a significant victory against illegal oil bunkering, troops from the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division have dismantled over 15 illegal refining sites, arrested 10 suspects, and recovered more than 115,000 litres of stolen crude oil across the Niger Delta region.
According to, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 6 Division, Lieut. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the operations, part of ongoing efforts to curb economic sabotage, also led to the seizure of 30 cooking pots, 11 vehicles, and several boats used in illicit activities.
In Rivers State, after receiving intelligence on oil theft at SIAT Farm in Elele, Ikwerre Local Government Area (LGA), troops intercepted a truck carrying 40,000 litres of stolen crude. In Okrika LGA, three illegal refining sites were dismantled, and two wooden boats with 26,500 litres of stolen products were seized. Similar successes were recorded in Degema LGA, where four illegal refining sites were taken down, and over 16,000 litres of stolen crude and Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) were recovered.
Operations along the Imo River led to the destruction of several makeshift camps, wooden boats, and cooking equipment, while at Okoloma, Obuzor, and Ukwa Creeks, 15,000 litres of stolen crude were confiscated. Troops also uncovered a pipeline vandalization site in Akuku-Toru LGA, arresting one suspect and seizing three gas cylinders.
In Delta State, a trailer siphoning crude from a pipeline in Ozoro, Isoko North LGA, was intercepted, and two suspects were arrested. Similar operations in Ika South LGA and Orhiomwon, Edo State, led to the recovery of vehicles filled with stolen products.
Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom States also saw successful raids, with troops deactivating illegal refining sites and seizing stolen products. In Nembe LGA, over 2,800 litres of stolen crude were recovered, while in Southern Ijaw, another 2,500 litres were confiscated. In Akwa Ibom, troops intercepted drums of premium motor spirit near Oron waterways, likely prepared for smuggling to neighboring countries.
The Nigerian Army continues its relentless crackdown on illegal oil activities, ensuring that economic saboteurs are denied freedom of action.
Danjuma reaffirmed the military’s commitment to eradicating illegal oil bunkering and safeguarding the nation’s resources.
