Troops from the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division have intensified their efforts against oil theft in the Niger Delta, successfully neutralizing two suspected oil thieves and arresting 18 others during anti-bunkering operations across the region. Lt.-Col. Danjuma Danjuma, the division’s spokesperson, confirmed that the operations were conducted in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers states.

The military operations led to the destruction of 13 illegal refineries, the seizure of 60,000 liters of stolen petroleum products, and the confiscation of seven boats. Soldiers also recovered two AK-47 rifles and uncovered eight illegal connection points on pipelines and wellheads. In Ahoada West Local Government Area, troops engaged in a gunfight with vandals at one of the illegal refining sites.

In Rivers State’s Bille community, soldiers dismantled four illegal refining sites, seized two boats, and recovered 6,000 liters of stolen petroleum products. In Delta State, the troops intercepted a boat siphoning crude oil from the Okpoko Oil Field and arrested nine individuals in possession of 2,000 liters of stolen crude oil in Ika North Local Government Area.

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The operations extended to Ekeremor in Bayelsa State, where nine more suspects were arrested, and three illegal refining sites were destroyed. Soldiers also recovered 14,000 liters of petroleum products, 1,500 liters of crude oil, and intercepted four boats. In addition, two AK-47 rifles, eight magazines, and 69 rounds of ammunition were seized.

In Odagba village, near the Imo River, troops intercepted two wooden boats carrying over 5,000 liters of stolen petroleum products and seized vehicles and motorcycles abandoned by fleeing suspects. Meanwhile, in Mbo, Akwa Ibom, six drums containing 1,500 liters of petrol, intended for smuggling to a neighboring country, were intercepted. All suspects have been handed over to the relevant authorities for further investigation and prosecution.