Troops of the Nigerian Army have recovered about 156,000 liters of stolen petroleum products valued at N250 million across the Niger Delta.
The operations were conducted by the 6 Division in collaboration with other security agencies over a 25-day period.
Suspects Arrested
The division’s spokesman, Lt.-Col. Danjuma Danjuma, told journalists in Port Harcourt on Sunday that nine suspects were apprehended during the operations.
He said troops confiscated over 130,000 liters of crude oil and 26,000 liters of Automotive Gas Oil (diesel).
“Ten illegal refining sites were dismantled, equipment destroyed, and nine suspected oil thieves arrested.
“The recovered crude oil and diesel are worth about N250 million,” he added.
Operations Breakdown
Providing a breakdown, Danjuma said that in Rivers State, troops intercepted an abandoned truck loaded with stolen crude oil along the East-West Road in the Ahoada area.
He said another reservoir containing over 26,000 liters of adulterated diesel was discovered, alongside equipment used for siphoning products.
“Troops also confiscated 266 sacks containing crude oil at Ebocha in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area.
“We made additional discoveries in Abessa Forest and Abua/Odual Local Government Area, where several sacks and illegal refining equipment were destroyed,” he said.
Delta, A’Ibom Raids
In Delta State, Danjuma said troops uncovered a tapping point and a storage pit containing crude oil in Ethiope Local Government Area.
He added that in Akwa Ibom State, 45 bags of illegally refined diesel were recovered, noting that suspects fled the scene and abandoned the products.
Army Commendation
He quoted the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Emekah, as commending the troops for their resilience and urging them to sustain the offensive against economic sabotage.
