Army Discovers 20 Illegal Refineries, Arrests 11 Operators Across Four States

The Nigerian Army has uncovered 20 illegal refineries and apprehended 11 suspects during operations in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers states. Lt.-Col. Danjuma Danjuma, spokesperson for the Army’s 6 Division, announced on Monday that troops dismantled the refineries and confiscated 31 boats, seven vehicles, and 190,000 liters of petroleum products between December 30 and January 5. At Oando Wellhead in Benkrukru, Bayelsa State, soldiers found four tanks containing over 70,000 liters of stolen crude oil, along with 700 liters of illegally refined diesel. Additional raids in the Nembe and Southern Ijaw areas of Bayelsa yielded more stolen products and the destruction of illegal refining sites. In Rivers State, troops disrupted oil thieves siphoning petroleum products and seized four boats with over 22,000 liters of stolen fuel. Several other illegal sites, including those in Obiafu oil fields and Okoloma, were dismantled, with significant quantities of stolen products and equipment confiscated. Operations in Delta and Akwa Ibom also led to the interception of vehicles smuggling petroleum products and the seizure of drums and bags containing stolen fuel. The General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Maj.-Gen. Jamal Abdussalam, has directed troops to intensify efforts in eliminating illegal refining operations across the region. Suspects arrested during the raids will be prosecuted, Lt.-Col. Danjuma confirmed.