Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — In a sweeping crackdown on economic sabotage and criminal activities, troops of the Nigerian Army, 6 Division Port Harcourt have deactivated 23 illegal refineries and arrested 25 suspects, including four members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.
The week-long operation according to Nigerian Army, conducted from January 12 to 19, 2025, also resulted in the destruction of 14 boats and the recovery of over 45,000 litres of stolen petroleum products across the Niger Delta region.
Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director 6 Division Army Public Relations said the operations spanned Rivers, Delta, and Bayelsa states, with troops targeting oil thieves and dismantling illegal refining sites.
Danjuma in a statement said the military operations also targeted Imo River, where troops destroyed 13 illegal refining sites, 25 drum pots, 24 receivers, and six metal containers.
The statement reiterated the Nigerian Army’s resolve to intensify its operations, ensuring criminal elements and economic saboteurs are continually denied opportunities to operate in the region.
The statement reads In part, “In Rivers State, troops intercepted a truck carrying over 15,000 litres of stolen products along the East-West Road near Eneka, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area. Around Krakrama in Degema LGA, seven illegal refining sites were deactivated, and over 12,000 litres of stolen products were recovered alongside four fibre boats. In Bille, Degema LGA, troops destroyed two illegal refining sites and confiscated over 2,400 litres of stolen petroleum, three pots, and three receivers.
“In Delta, four suspected IPOB members were arrested in a sting operation at Powerline Bonsac, Oshimili LGA. Several items were recovered from the suspects, further linking them to the proscribed group. Troops also intercepted multiple motorcycles conveying stolen petroleum products near Abor Community Junction, Ndokwa West LGA. In Burutu LGA, five dugout pits containing unquantified stolen products were destroyed.
“Troops intercepted two vehicles loaded with illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil along the Okarki-Otuasega Road in Ogbia LGA. The vehicles, a Toyota Avalon with registration numbers AUG 964 TN and SAG 513 EA, were seized alongside their illicit cargo.”
Commending the troops’ efforts, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, General Officer Commanding of 6 Division, charged them to sustain the momentum. “We must continue to deny criminal elements, particularly members of IPOB, any foothold in the Niger Delta Region,” he said.
“These operations underline the military’s commitment to safeguarding national resources and enhancing stability in the region. The Nigerian Army will continue to work tirelessly to protect the nation’s economic resources from the hands of saboteurs,” Major General Abdussalam added.
