In a bold anti-theft operation, the Nigerian Army’s 6th Division in Port Harcourt seized an astonishing 700,000 litres of stolen petroleum products. Between October 28 and November 3, 2024, troops cracked down on illegal refining sites, arresting suspected oil thieves and destroying boats involved in crude oil theft.
Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah, spokesperson for the division, revealed that the operations didn’t stop at seizing fuel. Soldiers dismantled 29 illegal refineries, detained 24 suspects, and destroyed 14 boats used for transporting stolen crude oil.
In Rivers State, troops intercepted a large wooden boat carrying 150,000 litres of stolen crude in Kula, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area. Another boat holding 50,000 litres was seized, alongside three illegal refining sites. Soldiers confiscated cooking pots filled with 20,000 litres of diesel and dismantled ten illegal refineries in Kay and Abesa, recovering 400,000 litres of refined diesel.
In Bayelsa State, soldiers raided sites at Boma Creek in Southern Ijaw, recovering tanks with over 2,500 litres of crude oil. Another operation at Obughene Creek uncovered 4,500 litres of stolen fuel, while an additional 3,000 litres were seized at West Boma Creek.
The operations extended to Akwa Ibom, where troops intercepted two Toyota Camrys loaded with 3,000 litres of illicit diesel hidden in nylon bags along the Ikot Abasi-Abak road. The drivers were detained for further investigation.
In Delta State, the raids continued, including the interception of a tricycle loaded with stolen iron pipes in Kwale, Ndokwa West. In Patani, soldiers uncovered 40 jerricans of fuel in a storage dump, while on Uro Community waterways, they seized a wooden boat carrying 200 sacks of premium motor spirit.
According to the statement, all arrested individuals have been handed over to law enforcement for prosecution, and seized products are being processed per operational guidelines.
