From Victor Edozie,in Port Harcourt
Troops of 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt have impounded 33,000 litres of stolen petroleum products and deactivated 14 illegal refineries in the Niger Delta region.
The Deputy Director of Public Relations of the Division, Lt. Col. Dajumah Jonah in statement in Port Harcourt on Monday said about 71 suspects were arrested in the operation conducted between 21 July to 10 August 2025.
He said, “In Rivers State, along Kilometre 45 in Degema Local Government Area (LGA), two illegal refining sites were deactivated with over 22,500 litres of stolen crude oil recovered. Additionally, two wooden boats used for the illicit activity were demobilized. In a related vein, at Omoku in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, two wooden boats loaded with eight sacks of stolen crude were intercepted.
“Similar operations conducted at the fringes of the Imo River led to the deactivation of 5 illegal refining sites, with 16 drum pots, two drum receivers and over 2,000 litres of stolen crude recovered at Obuzor, Okoloma and Oyingbo LGA in Abia and Rivers states respectively. Also, a dug out pit filled over 1,500 litres of stolen products was handled appropriately.
“Relatedly, in Bayelsa State, around Bassambiri in Nembe LGA, troops raided a store, where 16 units of 30 litres jerricans loaded with stolen products hidden in the store. At Biseni in Yenagoa LGA, troops uncovered an illegal refining site with over 1,200 litres of stolen products recovered.
“This was in addition to several raid operations conducted with other sister services in the state, which led to the arrest of multiple criminals. While, in Delta State, a vehicle with Registration Number AG 02 KWR loaded with 31 units of 25 litres jerricans filled with stolen Automotive Gasoline Oil was intercepted at Omuseti junction along Kwale to Ozoro road in Ndokwa West LGA.”
Jonah said the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, said that when illegal products are discovered due diligence is taken to verify the authenticity of the product.
He noted that where the product is discovered to be genuine it is usually handed over to the owner in line with the mandate of Operation DELTA SAFE.
The GOC further stressed that perpetrators of economic sabotage, arrested by the troops are handed over to the appropriate agency for prosecution.
