Troops from the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army have made substantial recoveries and arrests.
Between November 25 and December 1, the military's intensified efforts led to the deactivation of over 56 illegal oil bunkering sites across four states: Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom.
The operations resulted in the recovery of more than 1.2 million litres of stolen crude oil. Additionally, 88 cooking drums and 20 boats used for illicit refining were destroyed.
Seventeen suspects were apprehended during these operations, highlighting the ongoing battle against economic sabotage in the region.
Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division, Army Public Relations, Jonah Danjuma, stated, "Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in conjunction with other security agencies, have increased the rhythm of the ongoing anti-illegal bunkering operations across the Niger Delta Region, with visible operational footprints."
In Rivers State, around Kula I in Akuku-Toru LGA, troops discovered an illegal connection on a 36-inch government pipeline, seizing 100,000 litres of stolen products from a ground reservoir.
Similarly, in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, an abandoned truck loaded with 35,000 litres of stolen crude was uncovered.
Bayelsa State saw the dismantling of 15 illegal refining sites in Okordia Forest, Yenagoa LGA, where over 755,000 litres of stolen crude and 53,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) were recovered. In Biseni Forest, 12 illegal sites were deactivated, with 34,000 litres of stolen crude and 5,500 litres of AGO seized.
In Delta State, at Ugo community in Edo State, troops recovered over 40,000 litres of stolen crude and arrested one suspect, who led them to a bunkering site.
Meanwhile, in Warri South LGA, troops seized 2,000 litres of illegally refined AGO and arrested four suspects.
The operations also extended to Akwa Ibom State, where 5,580 litres of petroleum motor spirit were intercepted at Enwang Bridge as smugglers attempted to transport the product to a neighboring country.
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