Army destroys 27 illegal oil refineries in Niger Delta

The Nigerian Army has successfully destroyed 27 illegal oil refining sites in the Niger Delta as part of ongoing efforts to combat oil theft and illegal bunkering in the region.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Acting Deputy Director, Lieutenant Colonel, Danjuma Jonah Danjuma on Wednesday.

According to the statement, the troops of the 6 Division have been making significant progress, with their operations spanning across the Niger Delta. 

The operations have been particularly successful in the Imo River area, a notorious hub for illegal activities.

"In a bid to maintain the momentum, troops have been traversing the length and breadth of the operational landscape with huge successes recorded," the statement read.

“The operations conducted by the troops of the 29 Battalion along the fringes of the Imo River led to the destruction of over 23 newly established illegal refining sites. 

“The troops also confiscated two storage reservoirs containing over 80,000 litres of stolen crude oil. Additionally, three vehicles loaded with illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), estimated to be over 8,000 litres, were seized.

“Further successes were recorded by troops of the 16 Brigade, who, in conjunction with other security agencies, discovered and destroyed over four illegal refining sites in Cowthorne Channel II, located in the Degema Local Government Area. The troops also found and destroyed three metal drums and pits containing an estimated 6,000 litres of stolen crude oil.”

Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma added that the confiscated products are being handled appropriately and that the operations have disrupted the activities of the criminal elements involved in illegal bunkering.

The General Officer Commanding the 6 Division, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, commended the troops for their efforts and a renewed commitment to the operation. 

He emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of the pipelines to ensure that oil companies can conduct their activities without interference, which is essential for improving oil production.

"Major General Abdussalam also called on critical stakeholders, particularly host communities, to continue providing credible intelligence on the activities of these criminals to security agencies," the statement added.