Troops neutralize two vandals, recover arms, arrest 18 in Niger Delta bunkering bust

By: Michael Mike

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division have continued to achieve significant operational successes in their anti-illegal bunkering efforts across the Niger Delta Region. In their latest operation, troops neutralized two armed vandals, recovered two AK-47 rifles, arrested 18 suspected oil thieves, and destroyed 13 active illegal refining sites.

The troops also dismantled seven boats, uncovered eight illegal connection points, and seized over 60,000 litters of stolen petroleum products.

In a statement, Acting Deputy Director 6 Division Army Public Relations Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma said the operation commenced after credible intelligence revealed an attempt to vandalize a Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) pipeline in Upatabo Community, Ahoada West Local Government Area (LGA). On arrival, troops engaged the vandals in a firefight, neutralizing two while others fled. Recovered at the scene were two AK-47 rifles, eight magazines, and 69 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition. Efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects are ongoing.

In Degema LGA, troops deactivated four illegal refining sites, seized over 6,000 liters of stolen products, and destroyed two wooden boats. At Odagba village, near the Imo River, troops intercepted two wooden boats containing more than 5,000 liters of stolen products and dismantled refining equipment. Elsewhere along the Ndoni-Obiafu road, suspected oil thieves abandoned two vehicles, a KIA and a Toyota Avalon, loaded with 28 sacks of stolen petroleum products. Four motorcycles were also left behind by the fleeing criminals.

Further operations in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA led to the arrest of two oil thieves near an illegal connection point. Troops also deactivated illegal refining sites around the Owaza Odogwa Creeks, confiscated over 6,000 liters of stolen products, and destroyed multiple boats and equipment.

In Delta State, at Okpoko in Warri South LGA, troops intercepted a wooden boat siphoning crude oil from Well 8 at Okpoko Oil Field. The suspects escaped into the bush, but 2,000 liters of stolen crude were recovered.

Additional operations at Ndemili Community and Oleh led to the arrest of five suspects and the seizure of two vehicles loaded with stolen products. In Bomadi LGA, a Toyota bus containing 20 cellophane bags of stolen petroleum products was intercepted, resulting in one arrest.

In Bayelsa State, seven suspects were intercepted along the Nun River in Southern Ijaw LGA with over 1,000 litters of stolen products. Troops also dismantled illegal refining sites in Ekeremor and Southern Ijaw LGAs, confiscating thousands of litters of stolen products. At Clough Creek, a suspect was caught with vandalized NAOC armoured cables.

In Akwa Ibom State, troops intercepted six drums of premium motor spirit (PMS), estimated at 1,500 litters, at Ibaka waterside in Mbo LGA. The products were allegedly being prepared for smuggling to a neighbouring country.

Major General Jamal Abdussalam, General Officer Commanding 6 Division, commended the troops for their success and reaffirmed the division’s commitment to safeguarding the region’s critical infrastructure. All arrested suspects have been handed over to prosecuting agencies, while confiscated products are being managed in accordance with regulations.

Troops neutralize two vandals, recover arms, arrest 18 in Niger Delta bunkering bust