Port Harcourt, Sept. 16, 2024 – Nigerian troops have demolished 37 illegal refining sites in the Niger Delta during operations conducted across the Joint Operations Area (JOA).
The refineries were destroyed by troops of the 6 Division Nigerian Army with other security agencies during successful operations in the area.
Lt-Col Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.
He said the operations also thwarted attempts by criminals to establish new illegal bunkering hubs in the region.
Danjuma said the troops also identified 10 illegal connection points and destroyed six wooden boats used for conveying stolen products as well as apprehended nine suspected oil thieves.
He said the troops also confiscated seven vehicles, eight motorcycles and four trucks used for illegal activities as well as seized several pumping machines in different locations of the region.
Danjum said that troops in Rivers State confiscated over 43,500 litres of stolen crude oil and products around Imo River, specifically in the Owaza and Odogwa Creeks area, adding that troops seized over 15,000 litres of stolen crude oil stored in a large wooden boat.
The Army Spokesman said that in another operation at Okoloma and Obuzor Creeks, troops deactivated nine active illegal refining sites, and destroyed five wooden boats, and several motorcycles.
They also confiscated over 13,000 litres of stolen products.
“Along Ebocha Ndoni road, troops recovered a reservoir containing over 8,500 litres of stolen products and 116 sacks stocked with over 7,000 litres of stolen products. They also seized 10 empty metal drums, 10 metal pipes, and one motorcycle.
“Troops intercepted a suspect driving a Toyota Camry with registration number KTU 423 EC Lagos, carrying over 2,000 litres of stolen products,” he said.
Danjuma said that in another incident along Ndoni Obiafo road, the troops intercepted a Toyota Sienna with registration number Lagos EPE 789 JC conveying stolen products. The suspect fled, abandoning the vehicle.
A Volvo car without registration was also intercepted with 36 sacks containing products estimated to be over 2,000 litres, he said. (GBN)
