The Nigerian Army, in a joint operation with other security agencies, has intensified operations to curb oil theft in the Niger Delta, recovering over 60,000 litres of stolen crude oil products and arresting 15 suspects.
A statement from the Army confirmed the destruction of 32 illegal refineries and deactivation of 14 boats used for oil theft between January 6 and 12, 2025.
It said, “These efforts resulted in destruction of 32 artisanal refineries, deactivation of 14 boats used for the criminality, arrest of 15 oil thieves and recovery of over 60,000 litres of stolen products.
“The operations were conducted from 6 – 12 January 2025, across joint operations area.
“In Rivers State, troops conducted operations around Bille general area in Degema Local Government Area(LGA), where Seven illegal refining sites with over 20,000 litres of stolen crude were confiscated.
“This was in addition to two wooden boats complicated in the illicit activities destroyed.
“Additionally, along the Imo River stretch, ten illegal refining sites were deactivated, with several drum pots and receivers destroyed and over 19,000 litres of stolen products recovered.
“These operations were carried out around, Asa, Okoloma, Ukwa, Ozaa, Abiama, Obuzor, Ukwa and Oyigbo areas.
“At Odagwa general area in Etche LGA, troops intercepted three boats loaded with over 12,000 litres of stolen crude.
“This was in addition to three suspected oil thieves arrested at the scene in connection to the seizures.
“Similarly, at Nkisa in Ogba/Egbema/ Ndoni LGA, one illegal refining site with a reservoir ladened with over 1,200 of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil and sacks stocked with over 1,600 litres of crude were handled appropriately.
“In a similar vein, along Ndoni road, troops intercepted one Toyota Bus with Reg No URU 808 XA Imo conveying 18 sacks of stolen condensates estimated to be over 1,200 litres.
“In Buguma general area, in Asari-Toru LGA, two illegal refining sites were taken out with a small wooden boat loaded with 1,500 litres of stolen crude intercepted and handled accordingly.
“Five suspected oil thieves were apprehended to that effect. The suspects have been handed over to the relevant agency for prosecution.”