The Nigerian Army’s 6th Division, in collaboration with other security agencies, has intensified its fight against economic saboteurs in the Niger Delta region, achieving significant breakthroughs. According to a statement issued on Sunday by Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations for the 6th Division, the week-long operation between November 18 and 24, 2024, led to the destruction of 34 illegal refineries and the recovery of approximately 80,650 litres of stolen crude oil.
In Buguma Creeks within Asari-Toru Local Government Area (LGA), security forces discovered over 25,000 liters of stolen crude oil and dismantled eight illegal refining plants. At Iyalama/Bakana, they confiscated cooking pots, wooden boats, and another 8,000 liters of stolen oil. In the vicinity of Ogaji-Ama, Buguma South East River, troops intercepted two wooden boats carrying over 3,000 liters of stolen crude. The operation also extended to Bonny LGA, where an illegal refining site containing nearly 10,000 liters of stolen petroleum was uncovered.
Further achievements were recorded in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA (ONELGA), where troops discovered over 3,000 liters of stolen crude oil concealed in sacks. During an operation in Oboburu, they encountered armed vandals, resulting in a confrontation that neutralized one criminal. Security forces also seized a pump-action gun and five cartridges.
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Bayelsa State was another area of focus, with troops dismantling illicit operations at Clough Creek in Ekeremor LGA, where a wooden boat carrying 2,500 liters of stolen goods was intercepted. In Nembe and Southern Ijaw LGAs, additional stolen oil and illegal facilities were discovered. In Delta State, soldiers halted stolen crude operations in Ekpan, Uvwie LGA, and pursued suspects to Abe Community in Edo State, where they intercepted two vehicles loaded with stolen oil.
The Nigerian Army further dismantled 180 cooking drum pots and 29 metal container receivers while confiscating various vehicles and motorcycles used in the illegal trade. Eleven suspects arrested during these operations have been handed over to the relevant authorities for further action.
Major General Jamal Abdussalam, the General Officer Commanding the 6th Division, praised the soldiers for their dedication and resilience. He reiterated the Division’s unwavering commitment to sustaining pressure on criminal elements in the region, emphasizing the importance of these operations in safeguarding the Niger Delta and boosting oil and gas production.
