Port Harcourt, Sept. 23, 2024 (TheGavel) — Troops from the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army have killed two suspected oil thieves and apprehended 18 others during anti-illegal bunkering operations across the Niger Delta region.

Lt.-Col. Danjuma Danjuma, the division’s spokesperson, detailed the operations, which took place in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers states, in a statement released on Monday.

The military actions resulted in the destruction of 13 illegal refineries, the seizure of 60,000 liters of stolen petroleum products, and the recovery of two AK-47 rifles. Additionally, eight illegal connections on wellheads and pipelines were uncovered.

During a raid in Ahoada West Local Government Area, troops engaged in a gun battle with vandals, resulting in the neutralization of two suspects. The operation yielded two AK-47 rifles, eight magazines, and 69 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.

In Rivers State, troops dismantled four illegal refining sites and seized two boats, along with 6,000 liters of stolen petroleum products. In Odagba village near the Imo River, they intercepted two wooden boats carrying over 5,000 liters of stolen petroleum and confiscated two vehicles and four motorcycles abandoned by the suspects. These vehicles contained 1,700 liters of stolen products.

Further operations in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni and Okirika in Rivers led to the destruction of three additional illegal refining sites, four wooden boats, and 10 metal tanks, with over 6,000 liters of stolen petroleum products recovered.

In Delta, soldiers intercepted a wooden boat siphoning crude oil from Wellhead 8 at the Okpoko Oil Field in Warri South Local Government Area. An operation in Ika North Local Government Area resulted in the arrest of nine suspects and the seizure of 2,000 liters of stolen crude oil.

In Ekeremor, Bayelsa, troops arrested nine suspects, destroyed three illegal refining sites, and recovered 14,000 liters of petroleum products along with 1,500 liters of crude oil and four boats.

Lastly, in Mbo, Akwa Ibom, forces intercepted six drums containing 1,500 liters of petrol being smuggled to a neighboring country via waterways. All detained suspects have been handed over to relevant agencies for further investigation and possible prosecution. (NAN)

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