Troops destroy 12 illegal refineries, seize 70,000 litres of stolen fuel in N'Delta.
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Troops of the 6th Division of the Nigerian Army, in a coordinated anti-oil theft operation, have seized over 70,000 litres of stolen automotive grade diesel (AGO) and other petroleum products in the Ngara region.
The operation, carried out in collaboration with other security agencies, ran from January 27 to February 2, 2025. This was announced yesterday in a statement by the Deputy Director of Public Relations of the 6th Army Division, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma. He said the troops destroyed 12 illegal refining sites, arrested 16 suspected oil thieves and demobilized six boats used in illegal activities. Jonah added that the troops seized nine vandalized pipelines and seized various equipment used for the illegal supply of petroleum. In Rivers State, they seized two fully loaded tankers, each containing 12,000 litres of stolen crude oil. The trucks were intercepted along the Igwuruta-Airport road in Ikwerre Local Council. The troops also discovered a large storage facility at a scrapyard, where they seized over 10,000 litres of stolen petroleum products. In the Imo River region, the operation led to the destruction of three illegal refining sites, 43 cooking drums and 23 receivers. The troops also seized a locally made double-barreled rifle, believed to have been abandoned by the fleeing oil thieves.
In Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local council, four illegal refining sites were shut down and 86 locally made kilns were seized. A cache of over 7,200 litres of stolen crude oil and 2,700 litres of AGO was also discovered.
Jonah said: "Similarly, operations around Mgbede community in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA) led to the shutdown of four illegal refining sites and the seizure of 86 local manufacturing kilns, with one pit containing over 7,200 litres of stolen crude oil and 2,700 litres of automotive diesel (AGO).
"Along the Ndoni jetty in ONELGA, troops discovered over 102 sacks filled with over 5,100 litres of stolen AGO and premium petrol. In the general area of Agah, 35 bags containing over 2,100 litres of illegally refined AGO were seized. In Omoku, also in ONELGA, two oil thieves were caught with 14 bags of condensate stored in their house. »
In Delta State, troops seized an abandoned wooden boat carrying over 3,160 litres of stolen crude oil. In Bayelsa State, a suspected oil thief was arrested with over 1,100 litres of illegally refined AGO.
Meanwhile, the Commanding General of the 6th Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, commended the troops for their operational achievements. He urged them to be professional and disciplined in the discharge of their duties.
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