From Victor Edozie, in Port Harcourt
The 6 Division of the Nigerian army Port Harcourt said its troops in collaboration with other security agencies have deactivated 23 illegal refinery sites and arrested 46 suspects.
A statement issued in Port Harcourt by the Deputy Director of Public Relation of the Division, Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah said the operation carried out se between 9 – 29 June 2025, resulted in the successful deactivation of 23 illegal refining sites, arrest of 46 suspected oil thieves and associated criminals, as well as the recovery of over 30,000 litres of stolen products across the region.
He said, “In Bayelsa State, around Biseni Community, Adibawa in Yenagoa Local Government Area (LGA), nine big pots, 16 drum pots, four receivers, four drum coolants were destroyed with over 6,000 litres of stolen crude recovered. Troops also apprehended two suspected criminals in possession of two locally fabricated pistols with 9mm rounds at Otueke in Ogbia LGA.
“While, in Rivers State, around Kilometer 45 general area in Degema LGA, 6 illegal refining sites were uncovered, with over 5,000 litres of stolen crude confiscated. Additionally, at Kula 1 general area in Akuku-Toru LGA, an illegal refining site was taken out, with four cooking ovens, four receivers, and four drums filled with over 2,500 litres of stolen Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO) handled appropriately.
” Four suspected oil thieves were arrested in connection to the malfeasance. Also, clearance operations conducted along the Imo River, led to the destruction of six illegal refining sites, 32 drum pots, nine drum receivers, 10 sacks with over 2,000 litres of crude oil recovered around Obuzor and Okoloma general areas in Ukwa West and Oyigbo LGAs of Abia and Rivers States respectively.
“Similarly, in Akwa Ibom State, troops raided a warehouse at Ukanafun LGA, where 131 nylon bags filled with over 3,930 litres of stolen products were recovered. Relatedly, at Ebughu area in Mbo LGA, troops intercepted seven 30 litre jerricans filled with over 300 litres of illegally refined AGO.
“Meanwhile, in Delta State, at Kwale in Ndokwa East LGA, troops discovered a store at a tanker park along Asaba expressway, where 150 sacks filled with over 3,000 litres of stolen crude oil. Troops also intercepted a vacuum truck with Registration Number Delta LEH 167 SP loaded with stolen crude at Yanga market road Oleh in Isoko North LGA. The driver abandoned the vehicle and fled.”
