- Massive Discovery: 11 new illegal bunkering facilities uncovered.
- Four States Targeted: Operations conducted in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers.
- Seizures Galore: Thousands of liters of stolen crude oil and other petroleum products seized.
- Seven Arrests: Suspects apprehended and handed over to authorities.
Operation Crush: Army Takes on Oil Thieves
The Nigerian Army isn’t playing games when it comes to tackling oil theft. A recent six-day operation across Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers states has resulted in the discovery of 11 new illegal bunkering facilities. Lt.-Col. Danjuma Danjuma, the army spokesman, revealed that troops also made significant seizures of stolen petroleum products and arrested seven suspects.
Massive Haul: Liters of Stolen Oil Recovered
The numbers speak for themselves. During the raids, troops seized a staggering 13,600 liters of stolen crude oil, 4,890 liters of adulterated diesel, and 37,700 liters of various other unspecified petroleum products. These illegal operations not only rob the nation of vital resources but also cause significant environmental damage.
Inside the Raids: What the Soldiers Found
Let’s take a closer look at what the soldiers uncovered during their operations:
- Rivers State: Six illegal refineries discovered in the Imo River area, with approximately 11,000 liters of stolen petroleum products recovered. Troops also deactivated 41 drum pots, 18 drum receivers, and 540 sack bags filled with over 11,000 liters of stolen products.
- Ahoada West: Two Toyota Camry vehicles intercepted, carrying over 1,300 liters of illegally refined diesel.
- Krakrama Wellhead 12, Bille, Degema: Seven suspects arrested while attempting to vandalize the facility. Three wooden boats laden with over 1,500 liters of stolen crude recovered.
- Delta State: 25,200 liters of an unspecified petroleum product and 10,000 liters of stolen crude oil intercepted from tankers, a truck, and a bus on the Koko-Obitigbo Road. Additionally, 3,350 liters of adulterated diesel found stored in cellophane bags at Oton-Urakpa, Sapele.
- Bayelsa State: Four illegal refining sites dismantled, with approximately 2,100 liters of stolen crude oil and an additional 1,500 liters of stolen products recovered in Biseni and Okordia communities in Yenagoa.
- Akwa Ibom: 240 liters of illegally refined diesel intercepted during an operation along the Okobo-Uyo Road.
Why This Matters: The Impact of Oil Bunkering
Illegal oil bunkering has devastating consequences for Nigeria. It leads to massive economic losses, environmental pollution, and instability in the Niger Delta region. According to data from the Nigeria Natural Resource Charter, Nigeria loses billions of dollars annually due to crude oil theft [https://www.nigerianrc.org/]. The activities of oil thieves also contribute to pipeline vandalism, which can disrupt oil production and supply.
What’s Next? Suspects Handed Over for Prosecution
Lt.-Col. Danjuma emphasized that the arrested suspects have been handed over to the appropriate security agencies for further investigation and possible prosecution. This sends a clear message that the Nigerian Army is committed to bringing oil thieves to justice and protecting the nation’s resources.