Nigerian Army Dismantles Illegal Oil Refining Operations in Rivers and Bayelsa

The Nigerian Army has taken decisive action against illegal oil refining activities in the Niger Delta, announcing the destruction of multiple illegal refining sites in Rivers and Bayelsa States. This operation, conducted by the Land Component of the Joint Task Force, South-South, under Operation Delta Safe, is part of a broader initiative aimed at curbing the rampant activities of illegal oil bunkering in the region.

In a statement issued from Port Harcourt on Wednesday morning, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, the Acting Deputy Director of the 6 Division Army Public Relations, outlined the details of the operation. He emphasized that these efforts are driven by a renewed commitment to combat the notorious illegal oil trade, which has severely impacted the local economy and the environment.

According to the statement, the operation yielded significant results. Troops operating in Rivers State, specifically from Sector 3 of the Joint Task Force, utilized credible intelligence to locate and dismantle three illegal refining sites situated in Odagwa, within the Etche Local Government Area. The operation was marked by the confiscation and destruction of over 30,000 liters of stolen and illegally refined petroleum products.

Further investigations led the troops to the Akaso field down to Cawthorne Channel, around well 9, where they discovered another illegal refining site. This site was equipped with three receivers and extensive connecting pipes designed to transport stolen crude oil to the illegal operations. The military’s proactive measures included the destruction of all discovered items, aligning with the mission of Operation Delta Safe to restore order in the Niger Delta.

In a related effort in Bayelsa State, troops from Sector 2 conducted routine operations in the creeks and waterways along Dasaba Creek in the Nembe Local Government Area. Here, they confiscated over 12,000 liters of stolen and illegally refined products, further dismantling the illegal operations. The military also recovered additional equipment at the site, including one fiber boat, five ovens, numerous metal drums, and large reservoirs intended for storage, all associated with the illegal refining activities.

The actions taken by the Nigerian Army highlight the ongoing battle against illegal oil refining, which poses significant challenges to both national security and economic stability in the region. The army’s operations aim not only to eliminate these illegal activities but also to increase legitimate oil production, thereby benefiting the local economy and reducing environmental degradation.

As the army continues its efforts to combat illegal bunkering, community leaders and residents are encouraged to support these initiatives by providing information that could lead to the apprehension of individuals involved in this illicit trade. The Nigerian Army remains committed to safeguarding the resources of the Niger Delta and ensuring that local communities can thrive without the disruptions caused by illegal activities.

This operation underscores the importance of collective efforts in addressing the critical issues surrounding oil theft and environmental protection in Nigeria’s oil-rich regions. The Nigerian Army’s decisive actions serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in the fight against corruption and illegal activities that undermine the nation’s economic potential.