Troops Nab 28 Oil Thieves, Seize 290,000 Litres Of Stolen Fuel In Niger Delta.

Oil.

Troops from the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, have apprehended 28 suspected oil thieves, dismantled four illegal refineries, and confiscated over 290,000 litres of stolen petroleum products in the Niger Delta region.

This was disclosed by the acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, in a statement released in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

According to him, at Okrika in Okrika Local Government Area, security operatives intercepted two wooden boats that were loading Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from a vessel discharging the product at a jetty.

He added that another two boats were also seized in Okrika, one of which contained over 33,000 litres of stolen fuel at a jetty, while another wooden boat was found carrying more than 5,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.

Danjuma stated that following intelligence about illegal oil bunkering activities near a pipeline close to Sterling Global Company Road, Akpabo, at Elele Alimini in Emohua Local Government Area, troops moved to the location and impounded a tanker with registration number Rivers JJN 287 ZU as it exited the pipeline corridor.

The tanker was believed to be transporting around 90,000 litres of stolen fuel, and two suspects — the driver and his assistant — were arrested.

He went on to explain that troops recovered more than 2,600 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) at Okolomade in Abua/Odual Local Government Area.

At the Imo River axis, Danjuma said troops dismantled two illegal refining sites and confiscated three drum pots, three receivers, and over 2,500 litres of stolen crude oil around Obuzor, Asa Asa, in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State.

He added that troops also intercepted two wooden boats along the Orashi River carrying over 700 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene, leading to the arrest of six suspects connected to the crime.

In Delta State, acting on credible intelligence regarding the activities of oil thieves along the PAN Ocean Pipeline right of way in Ethiope East Local Government Area, troops stormed the location. However, the suspects fled on sighting them.

“However, one suspect was arrested and various items recovered. These included vandalized pipes, hoses, a large quantity of Bagco sacks, and leather materials. Others included one Peugeot 406 car, a Camry car, one Toyota Jeep, as well as a lorry van loaded with over 1,650 litres of stolen products,” the statement said.

Danjuma added that troops conducting pipeline surveillance along the Midwestern Oil and Gas Pipeline right of way at Umusan-Obodogwa in Ndokwa West Local Government Area intercepted a Mercedes-Benz truck with registration number Enugu VE 174 ENU loaded with 24 pieces of 14-inch pipes and three gas cylinders.

Two suspects were taken into custody, and the pipes were suspected to have been vandalised from the SEPCO Oil and Gas pipeline in Kwale.

He also reported that troops intercepted a Toyota Hiace bus with registration number Delta PTN 926 XA around Eruemukohwarien in Ughelli North Local Government Area. The vehicle contained 10 drums filled with about 2,500 litres of condensates, and the driver was arrested.

Danjuma said troops in Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom states had also intensified both kinetic and non-kinetic operations, maintaining full control of their areas of operation and restricting criminal activity.

He quoted the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Eric Emekah, who commended the troops for their performance and encouraged them to sustain the pace of their operations.

The GOC further charged the soldiers to maintain their efforts in tackling economic saboteurs and other criminal elements across the Niger Delta region.