Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, have intensified their crackdown on economic sabotage in the Niger Delta region.
Between December 23 and 29, 2024, these operations resulted in the dismantling of 20 illegal refining sites, the arrest of eight suspected oil thieves, the deactivation of 21 boats used for criminal activities, and the recovery of over 90,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.
In a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, the army highlighted its successes. Acting on intelligence, troops discovered a massive tarpaulin reservoir containing 37,000 litres of stolen condensates and a wooden boat in the Buguma area of Asari-Toru Local Government Area (LGA).
In another operation in Ogajiama, Buguma/Bakana, troops dismantled illegal refining sites after engaging and overpowering criminal elements in a gun battle. They intercepted 9,000 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) and arrested three suspected oil thieves.
Further operations in Degema, Omoku, and Etche LGAs led to the recovery of stolen petroleum products and the destruction of illegal refining equipment, including locally made ovens and boats. Troops also confiscated over 10,000 litres of stolen crude oil from seven illegal refining sites along the fringes of the Imo River.
Similar successes were recorded in Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom States, where troops dismantled illegal refining sites, intercepted smuggled petroleum products, and foiled an attempt to vandalize a Shell Petroleum Development Company flowline in Ekeremor LGA. In Delta State, both kinetic and non-kinetic operations disrupted economic sabotage activities, enhancing security in the region.
Major General Jamal Abdussalam, General Officer Commanding the 6 Division, lauded the troops’ vigilance and encouraged residents to provide actionable intelligence to support the ongoing fight against oil theft and economic sabotage.
These sustained efforts underscore the military’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s critical resources and fostering a secure environment for economic growth.