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Army Destroys 25 Illegal Refineries, Seizes 95,000 Litres Of Stolen Oil

Published

1 month ago

Feb 16, 2025.

25 illegal refineries dismantled, 12 suspects arrested in the Niger Delta.
95,000 litres of stolen crude seized, 18 boats destroyed in the operation.
Nigerian Army intensifies crackdown on illegal oil refining activities.

The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has intensified its crackdown on oil theft, destroying 25 illegal refineries and recovering 95,000 litres of stolen crude in the Niger Delta. In the operation, 12 suspected oil thieves were also arrested.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Sunday, highlighting the collaborative effort between the Army and other security agencies from February 10 to 16.

“The well-coordinated operations led to the deactivation of 25 illegal refining sites, dismantling of 18 boats used for criminal activities, and the seizure of over 95,000 litres of stolen crude. Additionally, 12 suspected oil thieves were apprehended,” Danjuma stated.

In Rivers State, troops on a routine night patrol intercepted a 45,000-litre capacity DAF truck with multiple plate numbers attempting to siphon crude along the Trans Niger Pipeline. The culprits fled upon sighting the troops, abandoning the truck. Similarly, in Etche Local Government Area, two wooden boats loaded with 20,000 litres of stolen crude were seized.

Troops also uncovered three illegal bunkering sites in Ndoni, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, containing over 3,420 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). Two suspects were arrested in connection with the site.

Army Illegal Refineries

In a related development, based on credible intelligence, troops intercepted three wooden boats loaded with 3,200 litres of stolen crude in Degema LGA. Further seizures occurred in Buguma, Asari-Toru LGA, and Okobhio Forest in Degema LGA, where 19 illegal refining sites, 51 drum pots, and 34 drum receivers, handling over 4,000 litres of stolen crude, were dismantled.