The Nigerian Army has made significant strides in the fight against illegal oil bunkering and petroleum theft by uncovering 11 new illegal bunkering facilities across four states. The operation, which lasted six days, led to the seizure of thousands of litres of stolen crude oil, adulterated diesel, and other petroleum products. The army also arrested seven suspects involved in the illegal activities.
The operation spanned the states of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers, and was conducted by troops under the Nigerian Army 6 Division, Port Harcourt. Lt.-Col. Danjuma Danjuma, the spokesman for the division, provided details of the operation in a statement released on Monday.
According to Lt.-Col. Danjuma, during the six-day operation, the soldiers uncovered a variety of illegal bunkering activities, including the discovery of crude oil theft and the operation of illegal refineries. The troops also seized large quantities of stolen petroleum products.
In Rivers State, troops targeted the Imo River area, where they discovered six illegal refineries. The soldiers recovered about 11,000 litres of stolen petroleum products. The operation led to the deactivation of 41 drum pots, 18 drum receivers, and 540 sack bags filled with over 11,000 litres of stolen products. The army also thwarted an attempt by oil thieves to reconstruct other illegal refining sites in the area.
In a separate operation within Ahoada West, soldiers intercepted two Toyota Camry vehicles carrying over 1,300 litres of illegally refined diesel. This operation helped prevent the illegal transportation of stolen petroleum products to unknown destinations.
At Krakrama Wellhead 12 in Bille, Degema, seven suspects were arrested while attempting to vandalize oil facilities. Troops combed the area and recovered three wooden boats laden with more than 1,500 litres of stolen crude oil.
In Delta State, the operation on the Koko-Obitigbo Road resulted in the interception of 25,200 litres of an unspecified petroleum product. Two tankers, a truck, and a bus were involved in the illegal transportation of the stolen oil. The troops also seized 10,000 litres of stolen crude oil. Additionally, in the Sapele area, they uncovered 3,350 litres of adulterated diesel stored in 100 cellophane bags.
During further raids, the soldiers discovered three empty drums, two ovens, a metallic storage tank, as well as hoses and pipes believed to be used for siphoning products from pipelines.
In Bayelsa State, troops dismantled four illegal refining sites. They recovered about 2,100 litres of stolen crude oil and 1,500 litres of stolen petroleum products from communities in Yenagoa, including Biseni and Okordia.
Finally, in Akwa Ibom State, soldiers intercepted 240 litres of illegally refined diesel stored in eight jerrycans during an operation along the Okobo-Uyo Road.
The Nigerian Army’s recent operation is part of the ongoing effort by the Nigerian government to combat the rising menace of illegal oil bunkering and oil theft, which have long plagued the Niger Delta region. These illegal activities have caused significant economic losses and environmental damage in the region.
The Nigerian government has also expressed concern over the impact of oil theft on the country’s oil production capacity. Oil bunkering often leads to pipeline vandalism, environmental pollution, and the loss of revenue that would otherwise be generated by legal oil sales.
The military and law enforcement agencies have been working together to dismantle illegal bunkering rings, but despite the efforts, the illicit trade remains widespread in the region. The recent discovery of these bunkering facilities highlights the continuing challenge faced by the Nigerian government in curbing oil theft.
The environmental impact of illegal oil bunkering in Nigeria has been a longstanding concern. The unregulated refining processes often result in the release of toxic substances into the air, water, and soil, which can have devastating effects on local communities and wildlife.
Oil spills from illegal refineries have been linked to the destruction of mangrove forests, the contamination of water sources, and the loss of biodiversity. Additionally, the practice poses significant health risks to residents of nearby communities due to exposure to harmful chemicals and pollutants.
The Nigerian government has been under pressure from both local and international groups to take more decisive action to address the environmental consequences of illegal oil activities. There have been calls for better enforcement of laws against illegal refining and the restoration of damaged ecosystems in affected areas.
The Nigerian Army has played a key role in efforts to combat oil theft and illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta. Through joint operations with the police and other security agencies, the military has been able to seize large quantities of stolen petroleum products and dismantle illegal refining operations.
However, the army’s involvement in these operations has sometimes been met with criticism. Some local residents have expressed concerns over human rights abuses and the use of military force in civilian areas. Despite these concerns, the Nigerian military has emphasized that its primary goal is to protect the country’s oil resources and ensure the safety of Nigerian citizens.
During the latest operation, seven suspects were arrested, and the army has handed them over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution. The seizure of over 13,600 litres of stolen crude oil, 4,890 litres of adulterated diesel, and thousands of litres of other petroleum products is expected to have a significant impact on the operations of illegal bunkering gangs in the region.
Lt.-Col. Danjuma stressed that the army will continue to carry out operations aimed at dismantling illegal bunkering activities and ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice.
“The fight against illegal oil bunkering and theft is a priority for the Nigerian Army. We will continue to disrupt these illegal activities and work closely with other security agencies to protect our nation’s resources,” he stated.
