Oil theft: Troops intensify clearance operations of bunkering sites in Niger Delta

From Tony John, Port Harcourt

Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, have scaled up clearance operations in the creeks, waterways and rivulets aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of action in the Niger Delta region (NDR).

The troops, while conducting operations at different fronts in conjunction with other security agencies, across the Joint Operations Area (JOA),  have effectively taken out over 37 illegal refining sites, identified 10 illegal connection points and destroyed six wooden boats used for conveying stolen products.

Others included the arrest of nine suspected oil thieves, seven vehicles, eight  motorcycles used for the nefarious activities, four trucks, several pumping machines as well as confiscation of over 221,000 litres illegally refined products.

Acting Deputy Director,6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, yesterday, disclosed this in Port Harcourt .

Danjuma said this was in addition to frustrating the criminals several attempts at establishing new illegal bunkering hubs in the region.

He said: “In Rivers State, around Imo River, in the general  area of Owaza and Odogwa Creeks, troops confiscated over 15,000 litres of stolen crude in a large wooden boat. Same feat was also recorded at Okoloma and Obuzor Creeks, where troops deactivated nine active illegal refining sites, destroyed five wooden boats, several motorcycles as well as confiscated over 13,000 litres of stolen products.   

“Also, along road Ebocha Ndoni, a reservoir with over 8,500 litres of stolen products, 116 sacks stocked with over 7,000 stolen products were recovered. Additionally, 10 empty metal drums, 10 metal pipes and one motorcycle were also recovered. Troops, also intercepted one suspect in a Toyota Camry with Reg No KTU 423 EC Lagos with over 2,000 litres of stolen products.”

Similarly, along road Ndoni Obiafo, troops intercepted a suspect who fled on sighting troops and abandoned a Toyota Sienna with registration number:EPE 789 JC, conveying stolen products.

Also, a Volvo car without number  plate ,was intercepted with 36 sacks with products estimated to be over 2,000.

According to the APR, in Aga Community, Omoku at Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA), troops confiscated 16 empty newly constructed locally made drums for illegal refining of crude oil in a desperate attempt to establish new illegal oil bunkering hub.

Also, in Ikwerede community,  in ONELGA, troops deactivated illegal refining sites with 15 reserviors and over 5,000 litres of stolen products handled appropriately.

In Delta State, troops of the Division, intercepted one tanker truck with Reg No YLA 286 XB loaded with products suspected to be stolen crude along road Jesse Oben in Ethiope West LGA of Delta State.

He said the operation led to the arrest of two persons, adding that further exploitation in the forest in same area, led to the interception of an empty truck with Reg No Katsina KTN 446 YZ suspected to have been positioned to steal crude oil from SEPLAT Energy Nigeria Plc trunkline.

Danjuma said three  persons have been arrested and currently being interrogated.

“Also, at Iriama community in Okpe LGA, one illegal crude oil tapping point still under construction along SEPLAT Energy Plc pipeline. One person has been arrested and various items recovered. The items recovered include one shovel, one wooden board, several sacks, one phone, one Motorola radio and four Motorola chargers.

“Also, along road Ugo Idumessa in Ugo Community Orhiomwon LGA, Edo State, troops arrested two persons with a tanker with Reg No KMC 272 ZU with suspected stolen products estimated to be 50,000 litres.

“Relatedly, at Brass Creek in Ekeremor LGA, troops destroyed one illegal refinery, one oven and handled a reservoir with over 4,000 litres of crude oil. While in Akwa Ibom, troops on patrol along Idua road in Eket and Uyo LGAs, confiscated over 14,000 litres of stolen crude with nine 25 litres jerrycans from two vehicles.

“These were in addition to several pockets of seizures made across the region. All the suspects arrested have been handed over to the appropriate agency for prosecution.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, has reassured that the Division will continue to deny criminal elements footprints in the region.

He also assured the commitment of the Division in creating an enabling atmosphere for increase in oil production in the region.