In a major crackdown on oil theft, troops in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region have dismantled over 43 illegal oil bunkering hubs, arrested 19 suspected economic saboteurs, and seized more than 260,000 liters of stolen products. The operation, conducted between November 4-10, 2024, resulted in the confiscation of 11 vehicles, 21 boats, and the demobilization of 11 motorcycles used in crude oil theft, according to a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 6 Division.
In Rivers State, troops dismantled seven illegal refining hubs in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, confiscating over 60,000 liters of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). Similar operations around Cawthorne Channel 1 and Bille resulted in the destruction of several illegal bunkering sites and the recovery of 41,000 liters of stolen products.
Bayelsa State operations led to the arrest of three suspects and the interception of a vehicle carrying 1,500 liters of stolen AGO. Additionally, a storage site for stolen products was destroyed near Sangana River in Southern Ijaw.
Major General Jamal Abdussalam, General Officer Commanding 6 Division, commended the troops for their efforts, urging them to continue dismantling bunkering networks to boost Nigeria’s oil production.