Army raid 35 illegal oil miners

The Nigerian Army has arrested 35 individuals for allegedly running illegal refineries and vandalizing oil pipelines across four states in the Niger Delta: Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers.

In a statement released on Sunday, Danjuma Danjuma, the acting deputy director of army public relations, reported that during operations from October 21 to 27, troops dismantled 58 unauthorized refineries and confiscated around 11,200 liters of stolen crude oil and 355,000 liters of contaminated diesel as part of ongoing efforts to tackle oil theft and bunkering.

In Rivers State alone, troops dismantled 22 illegal refineries, seizing 131,500 liters of illegally refined diesel, 10,300 liters of condensates, and two wooden boats. Six suspected oil thieves were arrested in various local government areas, including Akuku-Toru and Ahoada East.

In Akwa Ibom, 34 illegal refining sites were dismantled, leading to the arrest of 27 suspects and the seizure of 215,000 liters of adulterated diesel, 19 wooden boats, nine vehicles, and 20 bags used for storing petroleum.

In Delta State, two suspected oil thieves were apprehended, with 1,200 liters of crude oil and additional items seized in Warri South and Ethiope West LGAs.

In Bayelsa, operations resulted in the destruction of two illegal refining sites, along with the seizure of 8,500 liters of diesel and 10,000 liters of stolen crude oil, as well as the confiscation of seven wooden boats and the arrest of three vandals in local government areas such as Ekeremor and Yenagoa.