Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, have intensified efforts to dismantle illegal activities in the Niger Delta Region (NDR). Between December 23 and 29, 2024, the troops dismantled 20 illegal refining sites, deactivated 21 boats used for oil theft, and arrested eight suspected oil thieves. In the process, over 90,000 litres of stolen petroleum products were recovered.

Acting on intelligence reports, troops raided the Buguma general area in Asari-Toru Local Government Area (LGA), discovering a massive tarpaulin storage reservoir and a wooden boat containing 37,000 litres of stolen condensates. At the Ogajiama axis of Buguma/Bakana in the same LGA, troops engaged criminal elements in a gunfight, forcing them to flee. During the operation, troops dismantled an illegal refining site, seized 9,000 litres of illegally refined Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), and intercepted three locally made boats attempting to load crude oil. Three suspects were arrested in connection with the operation.

In Krakrama Community, Degema LGA, troops intercepted two illegal refining sites, four fibre boats, three wooden boats, and approximately 2,000 litres of stolen crude oil. At Gbede in Omoku, one illegal refining site, 27 locally made ovens, and 31 sacks containing 2,000 litres of stolen products were confiscated. In Odagwa-Imo Riverside, Etche LGA, troops recovered one illegal refining site, two drum pots, a wooden boat, and over 3,500 litres of stolen products. At the fringes of Imo River, seven illegal refining sites, six boats, 122 drum pots, 49 drum receivers, and over 10,000 litres of stolen products were dismantled and recovered.

In Bayelsa State, troops dismantled an illegal refining site in Biseni Forest, Yenagoa LGA, and recovered 8,000 litres of stolen products. Additionally, an attempt to vandalize an inactive Shell Petroleum Development Company flowline in Ekeremor LGA was thwarted. In Akwa Ibom, at Enwang II in Mbo LGA, troops intercepted 11 drums containing 3,080 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). A follow-up operation traced the source to Dazele Filling Station in Ibaka, where 31 additional drums containing 8,680 litres of PMS were seized. Investigations revealed the products were intended for smuggling to a neighboring country.

In Delta State, troops conducted several operations employing kinetic and non-kinetic strategies, effectively curtailing the activities of criminal elements and ensuring security for oil exploration in the region.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 6 Division, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, commended the troops for their vigilance and urged them to sustain their efforts. He also called on residents of the Niger Delta Region to provide actionable intelligence to help combat economic sabotage and criminal activities. These operations are part of ongoing efforts to protect Nigeria's economic resources and create a secure environment for development in the Niger Delta.