Army dismantles bunkering sites, recovers 300,000 litres crude in N’Delta

• Published On: 28 January 2025 at 19:49

The Nigerian Army's 6 Division in Port Harcourt reported deactivating 13 illegal bunkering sites, destroying over 150 locally constructed ovens, four vessels, and recovering more than 300,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.

Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah, the Division's Deputy Director of Public Relations, stated that these activities, which took place from January 20 to 26, 2025, were carried out in coordination with other security forces.

Lt. Col. Jonah further stated that approximately 15 people accused of vandalizing oil installations were arrested during the operations.

He added that during routine anti-illegal bunkering operations, troops visited a vandalized site in Ugo Community, Orhiomwon Local Government Area, Edo State, and uncovered a big pool carrying 252,000 litres of stolen crude oil.

He explained that the stolen items were thought to have been taken from a vandalized location. Furthermore, additional exploration in the area resulted in the discovery of a pumping mechanism, hoses, and pipes.

He stated, "At Asade Community in Ethiope West LGA of Delta State, troops apprehended a red 30,000 gallon capacity DAF Tanker Truck without Plate Number, siphoning crude from the PAN Ocean Nigeria Limited Pipeline located in the bush in Ovade gen area. It was revealed that over 15,000 litres of stolen oil had already been drained before the vehicle was apprehended.

"In Rivers State, namely along the Imo River area, the operations resulted in the seizure of nearly 10,000 gallons of stolen goods. These products were found around Lekuma, Abiama, and Oyigbo. In related news, an illegal refining plant was located near Odagwa on the Imo River waterways. When we arrived at a camp in the general region of Owaza, we noticed that it was completely operational. When they saw forces approaching, the crooks fled the area. In subsequent operations, one pump action gun was recovered.

"Troops removed three illicit refining operations in a cluster at the Obiafu Oil Field in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA (ONELGA), including ten cooking drums, two rolls of hose, and eight reservoirs. This accomplishment was mirrored in the Abalama Community of Asari-Toru LGA, where troops discovered several carefully concealed jerricans with illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) in excess of 1,500 litres.

"Similarly, in the Abacheke district of ONELGA, troops assaulted a bunkering camp and uncovered four illicit refining sites, 145 locally produced oven barrels, and seven wheelbarrows containing 95 sacks laden with 5,700 litres of stolen AGO. There was also the finding of a locally built reservoir with almost 3,500 litres of stolen goods. Eight accused oil thieves have been apprehended in connection with the reckless act of economic sabotage. Similarly, at Okoromadi in Abua Odual LGA, troops raided an illicit refining plant and uncovered four large and small boilers with receivers. Troops are currently searching the area for potential economic saboteurs.

"In Akwa Ibom State, troops raided an illegally refined AGO storage facility in Ikot Abia, Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area. Further exploitation resulted in the seizure of around 30 polythene bags containing an undefined amount of stolen AGO as well as several empty jerricans. While in Bayelsa State, at Isonogbene general area in Brass LGA, two illegal refining plants were discovered, with over 5,000 litres of stolen petroleum confiscated.

He stated that Major General Emmanuel Eric Emeka, General Officer Commanding of the Nigerian Army's 6th Division, congratulated the troops for their efforts in battling oil theft and assured that criminal elements' days are limited.

The GOC also recommended people participating in illicit oil bunkering to stop their criminal activities and seek legitimate employment, adding that if they persisted, they would face enhanced operations.