Nigerian Army dismantles over 43 illegal oil bunkering hubs, arrests 19 suspects, and seizes 260,000 litres of stolen oil in the Niger Delta.

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Nigerian Army has achieved significant progress in the fight against illegal oil bunkering in the Niger Delta, dismantling over 43 illicit refining hubs, seizing more than 260,000 litres of stolen oil products, and arresting 19 suspects involved in the illegal activities.

The operation, part of ongoing efforts to curb economic sabotage in the region, was led by troops from the 6 Division under the directives of Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma.

Also read: Nigeria police arrest four oil thieves, recover 40,000 litres of petroleum products

In an official statement issued on Sunday, Danjuma reported that troops had dismantled and confiscated equipment used for oil theft across Rivers State, particularly targeting illegal refining activities in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area.

In these operations, seven active refining hubs were destroyed around the Abesa and Kula areas, and over 60,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) were confiscated.

The statement further detailed the army’s actions in other areas within the region. In Buguma Creeks, soldiers destroyed four active illegal refining hubs, eight large cooking pots, receivers and reservoirs, along with three local boats containing more than 12,500 litres of stolen oil products.

Additionally, illegal bunkering sites stocked with stolen oil were dismantled in Odagwa, Akwa, Oza West, Oyigbo, Obozur, and Ayama.

The Nigerian Army’s efforts included the destruction of transportation means for stolen products, with over 11 vehicles, 21 boats, and 11 motorcycles used in crude oil theft operations seized and demolished.

The military reported further success with the interception of several wooden boats filled with over 10,000 litres of stolen oil products, as well as the recovery of 41,000 litres of illegal products from various areas.

These recent operations reflect a commitment to address illegal oil activities in the Niger Delta, which continue to impact the country’s economy and the environment.

The Nigerian Army has stated it will maintain a strong presence in the region to further discourage economic sabotage and protect national resources.