THE Nigerian Army’s 6 Division has apprehended 71 individuals suspected of oil theft and shut down 14 illegal refining sites in the Niger Delta during a three-week operation.
Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, announced the development today in Port Harcourt, noting that troops, working alongside other security agencies, also seized more than 33,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.
From July 21 to August 10, the joint operations targeted multiple locations.
In Rivers State’s Degema Local Government Area, two refining sites were destroyed and 22,500 litres of stolen crude oil recovered, along with two wooden boats used in the illicit trade.
At Omoku in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, troops intercepted two more boats carrying eight sacks of stolen crude.
Operations in Abia and Rivers states led to the dismantling of five refining sites and the recovery of over 3,500 litres of stolen crude, while in Bayelsa State, troops uncovered hidden jerricans of stolen oil and dismantled another refining site with 1,200 litres of illegal products.
In Delta State, soldiers intercepted a vehicle carrying 31 jerricans of stolen Automotive Gas Oil.
Speaking also, the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, commended public informants and assured that all genuine petroleum products found are returned to their rightful owners, while suspects are handed over to relevant agencies for prosecution.