Army intensifies onslaught against bunkering, deactivates 10 illegal refineries

…Recovers stolen oil products, arrests nine suspects

Soldiers at the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army headquartered in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Capital, have intensified onslaught against oil bunkering, recovered stolen petroleum products worth over N250 million and deactivated 10 illegal refineries in the Niger Delta.

Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, a Lieutenant Colonel and Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, said on Sunday that the operations, which led to the feats, were conducted from April 1 to 26 across the region.

The development raised questions for security of oil infrastructure in the Region at a time that global crude oil supply is being disrupted due to the ongoing tension in the Middle East.

It also questioned Nigeria’s questions to boost crude oil production with ongoing debates about unbundling the current oil pipeline surveillance contracts.

Nigeria targets crude production of 2.06 million barrels per day, but continued oil theft can significantly affect the target.

Last month, an oil and gas pipeline surveillance firm, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, had reported renewed pipeline infractions by suspected oil thieves.

Danjuma said “troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, “have continued to dominate the Niger Delta Region (NDR) operational landscape, recording significant operational successes.'”

According to him, the operations led to the arrest of nine suspected oil thieves, the deactivation of 10 illegal refining sites, and the confiscation of over 130,000 litres of stolen crude oil, as well as over 26,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).

He said several pieces of equipment used for oil theft were also destroyed, and that the confiscated products worth over Np250 million.

Danjuma said, “In Rivers State, several operations were conducted in the creeks, rivulets, and hinterland. Accordingly, in a swift response to credible intelligence, troops intercepted an abandoned truck with registration number KMC 310 ZV Kano at Ukpeye Community, along the East-West Road in Ahoada East Local Government Area.

“The truck was discovered to have been loaded with 45,000 litres of stolen products. Similarly, at Orashi National Forest in Ahoada West LGA, a massive reservoir filled with over 35,000 litres of stolen crude oil was uncovered.

“Another reservoir containing over 26,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) was uncovered, with several galvanized pipes used for siphoning the products destroyed.

“At Ebocha, Omoku in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, troops confiscated 266 sacks filled with 17,760 litres of stolen products. Relatedly, at Abessa Forest, also in Ahoada West LGA, troops discovered four drum ovens and 50 sacks containing over 3,000 litres of crude oil, while two identified waste pits were destroyed. Around Okolomade in Abua/Odual LGA, troops discovered 30 sacks containing over 1,500 litres of stolen crude oil.

“In Delta State, around Obazogbe Community in Ethiope LGA, troops uncovered a tapping point with a dugout storage pit located 500 metres away, filled with over 2,700 litres of stolen products. In Akwa Ibom State, troops uncovered 45 bags containing a 1,350-litre stockpile of illegally refined AGO at Ikot Ekpene LGA.

“The suspected oil thieves abandoned the stolen products and fled the area. Troops have also effectively dominated Bayelsa State, denying oil thieves freedom of action.”

Danjuma added that the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Emmanuel Eric Emekah, a Major-General in the Nigerian Army, commended the troops for their resilience.

“He further charged them to sustain the operational tempo against economic saboteurs and associated crimes across the Niger Delta Region,” Danjuma said.