Troops of the Nigerian Army have recovered approximately 156,000 litres of stolen petroleum products valued at N250 million across the Niger Delta, following a 25-day operation conducted by the 6 Division in collaboration with other security agencies.
The division’s spokesman, Lieutenant-Colonel Danjuma Danjuma, told journalists in Port Harcourt on Sunday that nine suspects were apprehended during the crackdown. He said troops confiscated over 130,000 litres of crude oil and 26,000 litres of automotive gas oil (diesel).
“Ten illegal refining sites were dismantled, equipment destroyed, and nine suspected oil thieves arrested. The recovered stolen crude oil and diesel are worth about N250 million,” he added.
Operational breakdown:
· Rivers State: Troops intercepted an abandoned truck loaded with stolen crude oil along the East-West Road in the Ahoada area. A reservoir containing over 26,000 litres of adulterated diesel was also discovered, alongside siphoning equipment. In Ebocha, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (LGA), 266 sacks containing crude oil were confiscated. Additional discoveries were made in Abessa Forest and Abua/Odual LGA.
· Delta State: A tapping point and storage pit containing crude oil were uncovered in Ethiope LGA.
· Akwa Ibom State: Forty-five bags containing illegally refined diesel were recovered; suspects fled the scene.
The General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Major-General Emmanuel Emekah, commended troops for their resilience and urged them to sustain the offensive against economic sabotage.