Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division, in collaboration with other security agencies, have dismantled 14 illegal refining sites, arrested over 71 suspects, and seized more than 33,000 litres of stolen petroleum products in a sustained operation across the Niger Delta.

This was disclosed in a statement by the Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma.

It detailed that the operations, conducted between July 21 and August 10, targeted oil thieves and other criminal elements in Rivers, Bayelsa, and Delta States.

“In Rivers State, along Kilometre 45 in Degema Local Government Area, two illegal refining sites were deactivated with over 22,500 litres of stolen crude oil recovered. Additionally, two wooden boats used for the illicit activity were demobilized,” the statement read in part.

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Danjuma said that troops raided a store in Nembe, Bayelsa State, where “16 units of 30-litre jerricans loaded with stolen products were hidden.”

He disclosed that another operation at Biseni in Yenagoa uncovered an illegal refining site with over 1,200 litres of stolen products recovered.

In Delta State, the Army said, “a vehicle loaded with 31 units of 25-litre jerricans filled with stolen Automotive Gasoline Oil was intercepted at Omuseti junction along Kwale–Ozoro road in Ndokwa West Local Government Area”.

Following the operations, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, was quoted as commending local informants for their support.

“When illegal products are discovered, due diligence is taken to verify the authenticity of the product or otherwise,” the GOC said.

“However, where the product is discovered to be genuine, it is handed over to the owner in line with the mandate of Operation Delta Safe.”

He assured that all arrested suspects are handed over to the appropriate agencies for prosecution and reiterated the Army’s commitment to rid the Niger Delta of oil theft and other crimes.