NIGERIA ARMY TROOPS RECOVER 90,000 LITRES OF STOLEN FUEL, DESTROY ILLEGAL SITES
Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, have intensified efforts to combat economic sabotage in the Niger Delta Region.
These operations, carried out between December 23 and 29, 2024, led to the dismantling of 20 illegal refining sites, arresting eight suspected oil thieves, deactivating of 21 boats used for criminal activities, and recovering over 90,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.
The achievements were outlined in a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations.
The statement detailed that following a tip-off, troops discovered a massive tarpaulin reservoir containing 37,000 litres of stolen condensates and a wooden boat in the Buguma area of the Asari-Toru Local Government Area (LGA).
Similarly, at Ogajiama in Buguma/Bakana, troops encountered and overpowered criminal elements in a gun duel, dismantling illegal refining sites and intercepting 9,000 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK). Three suspected oil thieves were arrested during the operations.
In related operations, troops in Degema, Omoku, and Etche LGAs recovered stolen products and destroyed illegal refining equipment, including locally made ovens and boats. At the fringes of Imo River, seven illegal refining sites and over 10,000 litres of stolen crude were confiscated.
Efforts in Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom States yielded similar successes. Troops dismantled illegal refining sites, intercepted smuggled petroleum products, and uncovered vandalism attempts on a Shell Petroleum Development Company flowline in Ekeremor LGA. In Delta State, kinetic and non-kinetic operations disrupted the activities of economic saboteurs, ensuring enhanced security in the area.
Major General Jamal Abdussalam, General Officer Commanding, the 6 Division, commended the troops’ vigilance and urged residents to provide actionable intelligence to support the fight against oil theft and economic sabotage in the region.
These sustained efforts reflect the military’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s critical resources and creating an enabling environment for economic activities to thrive.