In an ongoing effort to combat oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta region, the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, has announced significant successes in recent operations.
A statement signed by Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, revealed that the security forces arrested 46 suspected oil thieves, deactivated 23 illegal refining sites, and recovered over 30,000 litres of stolen crude oil and refined products across the region.
The operations, part of a sustained campaign to deny criminal elements the freedom to operate, targeted key hotspots in the Niger Delta. Notably, clearance activities along the Imo River, covering Obuzor and Okoloma in Ukwa West and Oyigbo Local Government Areas of Abia and Rivers States, led to the destruction of six additional illegal refining sites. During these operations, security personnel recovered approximately 2,000 litres of crude oil, along with numerous drum pots, receivers, and sacks used in illegal refining activities.
The military authorities reaffirmed their commitment to tackling oil theft and vandalism, emphasizing that ongoing operations will continue until criminal activities in the region are decisively curtailed.
