Nigerian Army Destroys 23 Illegal Refineries, Arrests 25 Suspects in Anti-Bunkering Operations
By CHUKWUMA OFILLI
Troops of the Nigerian Army have intensified their campaign against illegal oil bunkering and artisanal refining in the Niger Delta region. In a statement released on Monday, Lt.-Col. Danjuma Danjuma, spokesman for the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt, revealed that 23 illegal refineries were destroyed, and 25 suspected operators apprehended during operations in Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers States.
Operation Details and Achievements
The week-long operation, conducted between January 12 and January 19, yielded significant results:
- Interceptions and Seizures
- A tanker truck carrying 15,000 litres of adulterated petroleum products was intercepted along the Eneka-Tank stretch of the East-West Road in Obio/Akpor LGA, Rivers State.
- Troops seized 14 boats and confiscated 45,000 litres of various stolen petroleum products.
- Destruction of Refining Sites
- In the Karakarma area of Degema LGA, seven illegal refining sites were deactivated, and 12,000 litres of stolen products were recovered.
- Troops dismantled 13 refining sites in Imo Riverside, destroying 25 cooking drums, 24 receivers, and six metallic containers filled with 7,000 litres of products.
- Dugout Pits and Equipment
- Soldiers uncovered five dugout pits filled with stolen petroleum products along the Yokri River in Burutu LGA, Delta State.
- Vehicles and Other Items Seized
- Two Toyota Avalon vehicles carrying illegally refined diesel were confiscated along the Okarki-Otuasega Road in Ogbia LGA, Bayelsa.
- Troops also seized a tugboat, a barge, hollow pipes, motorcycles, and several empty gallons used in the illegal activities.
Arrests of Suspected IPOB Members
A sting operation in the Abor community junction to Kwale, Ndokwa West LGA, Delta State, resulted in the arrest of four suspected IPOB members involved in the bunkering of petroleum products.
Regional Impact and Actions
The Nigerian Army’s anti-bunkering operations aim to curb illegal activities that harm the economy and environment. Lt.-Col. Danjuma emphasized the commitment to neutralizing these criminal enterprises while ensuring proper handling of confiscated items in line with operational mandates.
