The Nigerian Army has made significant strides in its efforts to combat oil theft and vandalism in the Niger Delta region. According to a statement released by Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of the 6 Division, Army Public Relations, at least 17 suspected vandals have been arrested and over 45,000 litres of stolen petroleum products seized.
In Rivers State, troops intercepted a Toyota 4Runner SUV carrying over 1,600 litres of suspected stolen diesel in the Okarki Community of Ahoada West Local Government Area. The driver abandoned the vehicle and fled, while 23 sacks containing refined products were recovered in the same area. Additionally, a wooden boat transporting petroleum products was seized in Degema, and a vandalised pipeline was uncovered at Obiafor in the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, with stolen condensate and other items recovered.
In Delta State, soldiers raided an illegal storage hub in Ogwu Community, Warri South Local Government Area, where a tanker truck filled with suspected stolen diesel and a large storage facility holding over 20,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) were discovered. Other items recovered included two empty tanks, a 20,000-litre capacity tanker truck, and pumping and metering machines.
The Nigerian Army also conducted raids in Bayelsa State, destroying dugout pits and refining sites in Biseni, Yenagoa Local Government Area. A separate operation in Okordia resulted in the interception of a Toyota Camry conveying drums of AGO. In Akwa Ibom State, security patrols were intensified along routes notorious for oil theft, restricting the movement of saboteurs and disrupting their supply lines.
The ongoing operations by the Nigerian Army are aimed at safeguarding national assets, limiting the activities of economic saboteurs, and restoring environmental integrity across the Niger Delta. The arrest of suspected vandals and seizure of stolen petroleum products are significant steps towards addressing the issue of oil theft, which has plagued the region for years. As the Nigerian Army continues its efforts to combat oil theft, the region can expect to see a reduction in the illegal activities that have harmed the environment and economy.
