Nigerian Army Busts Oil Theft Syndicate, Arrests 28 Suspects in Niger Delta Crackdown

Nigerian Army Busts Oil Theft Syndicate, Arrests 28 Suspects in Niger Delta Crackdown

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division, in collaboration with other security agencies, have arrested 28 suspected oil thieves, dismantled four illegal refineries, and seized over 290,000 litres of stolen petroleum products in a sweeping operation across the Niger Delta. The announcement was made by Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.In Okrika Local Government Area, operatives intercepted two wooden boats loading Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from a vessel at a jetty, with one boat carrying over 33,000 litres and another holding 5,000 litres of stolen products. Following a tip-off in Elele Alimini, Emohua LGA, troops stormed a pipeline site near Sterling Global Company Road, impounding a tanker (registration number Rivers JJN 287 ZU) suspected of carrying 90,000 litres of stolen products. The driver and his assistant were arrested.At Okolomade in Abua/Odual LGA, over 2,600 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) were recovered. Along the Imo River, troops deactivated two illegal refining sites, seizing three drum pots, three receivers, and over 2,500 litres of stolen crude near Obuzor, Asa Asa in Ukwa West LGA, Abia State. Six suspects were arrested after two wooden boats with 700 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene were intercepted at Orashi River waterside.In Delta State, acting on intelligence, troops targeted oil thieves along the PAN Ocean Pipeline in Ethiope East LGA, arresting one suspect and recovering vandalized pipes, hoses, Bagco sacks, leather materials, a Peugeot 406, a Camry, a Toyota Jeep, and a lorry van loaded with 1,650 litres of stolen products. Along the Midwestern Oil and Gas Pipeline in Umusan-Obodogwa, Ndokwa West LGA, a Mercedes-Benz truck (registration number Enugu VE 174 ENU) carrying 24 pieces of 14-inch pipes and three gas cylinders, suspected to be vandalized from the SEPCO Oil and Gas pipeline at Kwale, was intercepted, with two arrests made. In Eruemukohwarien, Ughelli North LGA, a Toyota Hiace bus (registration number Delta PTN 926 XA) with 2,500 litres of condensates in 10 drums was seized, and the driver was detained.In Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom, the 6 Division intensified kinetic and non-kinetic operations, effectively curbing criminal activities and restricting oil thieves’ movements. Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Eric Emekah, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, commended the troops’ efforts and urged them to maintain their aggressive stance against economic saboteurs in the region.The operations underscore the military’s commitment to tackling oil theft, a persistent challenge costing Nigeria billions in revenue annually. Further investigations are ongoing to bring the suspects to justice.  

Source: Nigerian Army Busts Oil Theft Syndicate, Arrests 28 Suspects in Niger Delta Crackdown

 - NigerianEye

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