The Nigerian Army has intensified its crackdown on oil theft and illegal bunkering activities in the oil-rich Niger Delta, leading to the arrest of 15 suspects, the dismantling of 32 artisanal refineries, and the confiscation of thousands of litres of stolen petroleum products.
Spokesperson for the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division, Port Harcourt, Lt.-Col. Danjuma Danjuma, disclosed the details of the operation in a statement released on Monday. He emphasized that the operation, conducted between January 6 and 12, spanned key oil-producing states, including Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom.
“Our troops confiscated approximately 60,000 litres of stolen crude oil and refined products, dismantled 32 illegal refining sites, and seized 14 boats used for transporting stolen petroleum products,” Danjuma stated. He added that the raids are part of a broader collaboration with other security agencies aimed at curbing economic sabotage in the Niger Delta.
Major Successes in Rivers State
The operation began in Bille, Degema Local Government Area, Rivers State, where troops dismantled seven illegal refining sites. According to Danjuma, they seized 20,000 litres of crude oil and destroyed two boats used by the perpetrators. “We also deactivated 10 illegal refineries, confiscated several crude oil cooking pots, and recovered about 19,000 litres of stolen petroleum products along the Imo River,” he said.
In another breakthrough, soldiers intercepted three boats in Odagwa, Etche Local Government Area, carrying 12,000 litres of stolen crude oil. “Three suspects were arrested during the operation,” he added. Other areas of operation included Abiama, Asa, Obuzor, Okoloma, Ozaa, Ukwa, and Oyigbo, where similar activities were disrupted.
Widespread Impact Across the Region
In Nkisa, located in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, Rivers State, troops confiscated 1,600 litres of crude oil and 1,200 litres of adulterated diesel. A Toyota van carrying 1,200 litres of stolen condensate was also intercepted along Ndoni Road.
The operation’s impact extended to Buguma, Asari-Toru Local Government Area, where two illegal refineries were dismantled. Troops seized 1,500 litres of stolen crude oil and apprehended five suspects. These actions, Danjuma noted, highlight the army’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s critical oil assets.
Operations in Bayelsa and Beyond
In Bayelsa State, the soldiers made significant strides in Baberegbene, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, where they dismantled an artisanal refinery and intercepted a wooden boat carrying 1,500 litres of stolen crude oil. Additional raids in Emago-Kugbo and Oluasiri communities in Nembe uncovered an illegal refining site containing unquantified quantities of stolen petroleum products.
The crackdown continued in Delta and Akwa Ibom states, where the army’s presence deterred economic saboteurs from operating freely. Lt.-Col. Danjuma highlighted the army’s resolve to maintain its tempo in combating oil theft across the Niger Delta.
Collaboration with Security Agencies
Danjuma credited the success of these operations to the army’s collaboration with other security agencies, including the Nigerian Navy and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). “The joint efforts are critical to tackling the complex and widespread issue of oil theft in the region,” he noted.
Oil theft has long plagued the Niger Delta, with artisanal refining operations and illegal pipelines contributing to significant revenue losses for the Nigerian government. According to industry estimates, the country loses billions of naira annually to such illegal activities. The impact of this theft extends beyond financial losses, as it also results in severe environmental degradation.
Environmental Concerns
The operations also spotlight the environmental costs of oil theft in the Niger Delta. Artisanal refining activities often involve the crude methods of heating crude oil in open pits, releasing toxic pollutants into the air and waterways. This has led to widespread contamination of farmlands and fishing waters, further impoverishing local communities.
The Nigerian government has repeatedly pledged to address the environmental and economic consequences of oil theft. The recently concluded raids by the army reflect a renewed urgency in addressing this menace.
A Renewed Commitment
The Nigerian Army has vowed to sustain its operations against oil thieves and economic saboteurs. “We are committed to ensuring that those who engage in these illegal activities face justice,” Danjuma said. He called on the public to provide credible information that could aid security forces in their efforts.
The Nigerian military’s actions align with broader government initiatives to secure the nation’s oil infrastructure and eliminate illicit activities in the sector. With the Niger Delta accounting for a significant portion of Nigeria’s revenue, curbing oil theft remains a top priority.
Looking Ahead
As the crackdown continues, stakeholders in the Niger Delta have called for a comprehensive approach to tackling oil theft. Community leaders, environmental activists, and industry experts emphasize the need for sustainable development initiatives that provide alternative livelihoods for local residents.
“The government needs to address the root causes of this problem,” said an environmental activist based in Port Harcourt. “While these raids are necessary, there must be efforts to engage local communities and offer them viable economic opportunities.”
