Army Seizes 45,000 Litres of Stolen Petroleum Products in Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers States
The Nigerian Army has destroyed 23 illegal artisanal refineries and arrested 25 suspected operators during a major anti-bunkering operation carried out across Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers states between January 12 and 19.
In a statement issued by Lt.-Col. Danjuma Danjuma, the spokesperson for the Nigerian Army 6 Division in Port Harcourt, it was disclosed that 14 boats transporting illegal petroleum products were seized, and 45,000 litres of adulterated petroleum were confiscated during the raids.
The operation began in Rivers State, where troops intercepted a truck carrying over 15,000 litres of fake petroleum products on the Eneka-Tank stretch of the East-West Road in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area. On the same day, soldiers dismantled seven illegal refineries, confiscated four fibre boats, and recovered 12,000 litres of stolen petroleum products in the Karakarma area of Degema LGA.
The operation continued with further success as troops dismantled 13 illegal refining sites in Imo Riverside, destroyed 25 cooking drum pots, and recovered 7,000 litres of stolen products. Soldiers also seized various tools, including four hollow pipes, motorcycles, and boats used in the illegal activities.
In addition, operations in Oga-Ama (Buguma LGA) and Finima (Bonny LGA) led to the confiscation of 4 boats and 2,700 litres of stolen petroleum products, while in Oshimili (Delta State), four IPOB suspects were arrested for their involvement in the illegal bunkering of petroleum products.
The crackdown also led to the destruction of five dugout pits containing stolen petroleum products along the Yokri River in Burutu LGA and the seizure of two Toyota Avalon vehicles carrying illegally refined diesel in Ogbia LGA.
The army assured that all seized items and suspects have been handled in accordance with operational mandates.
