The Nigerian Army, working alongside other security agencies, has intensified efforts to combat economic sabotage in the Niger Delta region, targeting illegal oil activities and recovering stolen resources during a week-long operation from November 25 to December 1, 2024.
In Bayelsa State, troops dismantled 27 illegal refining sites in Okordia and Biseni forests, recovering 789,000 liters of stolen crude oil and 58,500 liters of refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). In Rivers State, an illegal connection to a government pipeline was discovered in Akuku-Toru County, leading to the recovery of 100,000 liters of crude. Eight refining sites in Degema County yielded 27,000 liters of stolen crude, while in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni County, troops intercepted a truck loaded with 35,000 liters of crude concealed with sawdust.
In Edo State, a storage site in Orhionwon County was uncovered, holding more than 40,000 liters of crude oil in sacks. In Delta State’s Warri South County, an active refining site containing 2,000 liters of refined AGO was dismantled. Additionally, in Akwa Ibom State, troops intercepted 5,580 liters of smuggled petroleum motor spirit at Enwang Bridge, Mbo County.
Seventeen suspects were arrested, and various tools used in oil theft, including boats and pumping machines were seized.
