Troops crack down on illegal bunkering, destroy equipment in Niger Delta

In a series of intensified operations against illegal oil bunkering in the Niger Delta, troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, have dismantled over 32 illegal bunkering sites.
According to Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the operations, aimed at curbing the growing threat of oil theft, led to the destruction of 54 locally made boats and the arrest of several suspects involved in the criminal enterprise.
Key achievements from the ongoing crackdown include the recovery of over 250,000 litres of stolen oil products and the destruction of equipment used in refining and transporting stolen crude. Among these were 102 cooking drums, several dugout pits, and multiple vehicles used for conveying stolen oil.
In Rivers State, the troops’ operations focused on key areas such as Omoku in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, where illegal refining sites were dismantled, and large quantities of crude oil were confiscated. Notably, around Soku Gas Plant, a tugboat carrying over 50,000 litres of stolen AGO was intercepted, and 5 crew members were arrested.
In Bayelsa State, similar operations saw the destruction of illegal refining sites at Nembe LGA and other locations, leading to the confiscation of thousands of litres of stolen products. In Delta State, troops intercepted a truck loaded with stolen condensates, arrested suspects involved in vandalism, and destroyed illegal refining equipment at multiple sites.
The operations have also been extended to Akwa Ibom State, where two trucks transporting over 30,000 litres of stolen crude were seized.
These concerted efforts are part of ongoing military operations aimed at eradicating oil theft and restoring economic stability to the region.