Forces intercept illegal bunker within the Niger delta

The Nigerian Army has deactivated 42 illegal refining sites and arrested 29 suspected oil thieves in its recent efforts to combat illegal oil bunkering in the Niger Delta, according to DailyPost. The operations, which took place between December 9 and 15, 2024, also resulted in the confiscation of 197,000 liters of stolen petroleum products.

Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah, acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 6th Division, stated that the army dismantled infrastructure used for illegal activities, including 32 boats, 12 vehicles, and 8 motorcycles. The operations targeted key areas in Bayelsa, Rivers, and Delta States, aiming to disrupt crude oil theft and environmental harm in the region.

READ ALSO: Teenager reports self to authorities for Murder

In Bayelsa State, the army deactivated illegal refining sites in Yenagoa LGA, recovering around 37,000 liters of stolen crude. Similar actions in the Oando Wellhead area also led to the seizure of nearly 32,000 liters of illegally refined crude and Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). Additionally, in Nembe LGA, a wooden boat with over 5,000 liters of stolen crude was intercepted. In Southern Ijaw, over 1,000 liters of stolen crude were recovered from a hidden boat.

In Rivers State, the army shut down illegal refining sites in Akuku-Toru LGA, seizing more than 30,000 liters of stolen crude and several boats. Other successes included operations in Degema LGA, where two illegal sites and 4,000 liters of stolen crude were recovered, and along the Imo River, where 13 illegal sites and over 28,500 liters of stolen products were confiscated.

Delta State operations also yielded significant results, including the deactivation of an active illegal refining site in Warri North LGA, which involved five ovens, a boat, and 5,000 liters of AGO. Additionally, three tanker trucks suspected of carrying illegally refined AGO were intercepted.

Major General Jamal Abdussalam, the General Officer Commanding the 6th Division, affirmed the military’s commitment to continuing the anti-bunkering campaign in the Niger Delta. He praised the troops for their consistent efforts and emphasized that the operation aligns with the goals set for December 2024.

Source: Daily post