Troops Dismantle 18 Bunkering Sites, Nab 28 in Fresh Oil Theft Crackdown
Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, have dismantled 18 illegal bunkering sites and arrested 28 suspected oil thieves in a series of coordinated operations across four states.
The operations, which took place between April 7 and 13, spanned Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom States, and led to the recovery of over 72,000 litres of stolen petroleum products, according to a statement released by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma.
In Rivers State, troops intensified patrols and raids in Ahoada West Local Government Area, where they uncovered fresh attempts by criminals to re-establish bunkering operations in Joinkrama 4 Forest. Cutting and welding machines, along with newly constructed drums used for refining stolen crude, were recovered at the site.
Acting on credible intelligence, troops also raided De Tropicana Hotel in the same LGA, intercepting two Toyota Camry vehicles loaded with over 1,300 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). The drivers reportedly fled the scene, abandoning their vehicles.
Around Krakrama Wellhead 12 in Degema LGA, three suspects were arrested while attempting to compromise an oil facility. Further combing of the area yielded three wooden boats filled with over 1,500 litres of stolen crude oil. Follow-up operations led to the arrest of four additional suspected vandals.
Read Also:
Elsewhere, in the Okarki axis and along the fringes of the Imo River, troops deactivated six illegal refining sites and destroyed over 40 drum pots and 540 sacks containing more than 11,000 litres of illegally refined products.
In Delta State, troops intercepted multiple vehicles — including a fuel tanker, a Ford bus, and a canter truck — conveying more than 25,000 litres of stolen products along the Koko–Obitigbo road. Another 10,000 litres of crude were seized in a separate bust at Koko. A hidden bunkering camp discovered in the Oton–Urakpa forest yielded drums, hoses, pipes, ovens, and over 3,000 litres of illegally refined AGO stored in cellophane bags.
Bayelsa State also witnessed major anti-bunkering actions. In Biseni and Okordia communities of Yenagoa LGA, troops uncovered multiple illegal refining sites and recovered more than 3,600 litres of stolen crude oil concealed in pits and drums.
In Akwa Ibom, along the Okobo–Uyo road, soldiers intercepted jerricans filled with illegally refined AGO during a stop-and-search operation.
All arrested suspects have been handed over to relevant authorities for prosecution, while recovered products were handled in line with operational protocols.
Commending the troops for their resilience and effectiveness, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, reassured the people of the region of the military’s commitment to creating a safe environment for economic growth.
He also issued a stern warning to criminal elements: “Desist from mindless economic sabotage or be ready to face the consequences.”
The Nigerian Army reiterated its resolve to continue dismantling oil theft networks and enforcing the rule of law across the region.
By PRNigeria
