Troops from the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army have successfully intercepted a significant illegal oil bunkering operation in Rivers State, seizing over 198,000 litres of stolen crude oil. The operation, which took place near Cawthorne Channel I, was executed based on credible intelligence that led soldiers to three speedboats where suspects were siphoning oil from a barge linked to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
In a statement released by Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, the operation resulted in the arrest of five individuals and the confiscation of a barge, tugboat, and three speedboats used in the illegal activity. This operation is part of a broader initiative aimed at dismantling criminal networks involved in oil theft in the Niger Delta region.
Over the past week, the military’s anti-oil theft efforts have yielded impressive results, with more than 280,000 litres of crude oil recovered and the discovery of 63 illegal bunkering sites along with 11 unauthorized connections. In addition, troops dismantled several illegal refining sites, including four in Rivers State and others in neighboring Abia State, where they uncovered additional illegal oil connections.
The military’s operations have not only focused on recovery but also on prevention, with clearance activities targeting illegal refining sites around the Imo River. In total, 42 illegal refining sites have been destroyed, and thousands of litres of stolen crude oil have been recovered, alongside various equipment used in the illegal operations.
Major General Jamal Abdussalam, the General Officer Commanding of the 6 Division, assured the public that the military will continue its efforts to eliminate oil theft and restore integrity to oil exploration and production in the region. He emphasized the importance of collaboration with local communities to ensure the success of these operations and to prevent criminal activities from thriving in the Niger Delta.