Troops destroy ’32 illegal refineries, recover 250,000 litres of stolen crude’ in Niger Delta

The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt says it has destroyed 32 illegal refining sites and recovered about 250,000 litres of stolen petroleum products in the Niger Delta.

In a statement on Monday, Danjuma Jonah, the division’s assistant director of public relations, said the operatives also arrested several suspects.

Jonah said 54 locally constructed boats and vehicles used for illegal activities and transportation of stolen products, were also confiscated during the operation.

He added that the troops destroyed two illegal refining sites and seized over 45,000 litres of crude oil, six drums with over 1,200 litres of automotive gas oil (AGO), and additional quantities in mini tanks and dugout pits in Omoku, Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni LGA of Rivers state.

Jonah said the operatives also confiscated 21 wooden boats, 12 fibre boats used for illegal activities, and 28,000 litres of stolen crude in Karakrama, Degema LGA.

“In Bayelsa state, similar operations were executed, including the deactivation of illegal refining sites in Nembe LGA, recovering over 5,000 litres of stolen products,” the statement reads.

“In Delta state, a tipper truck carrying over 30 drums of stolen condensate was intercepted, leading to the arrest of two occupants.

“In Akwa Ibom state, operations led to the seizure of two trucks carrying over 30,000 litres each of stolen products along the Port Harcourt-Ikot Abasi road and the interception of several jerry cans and bags filled with stolen crude in Ikot Abasi LGA.”