Troops of the Nigerian Army have recovered about 156,000 litres of stolen petroleum products valued at N250 million across the Niger Delta.

The operations were conducted by the 6 Division in collaboration with other security agencies over a 25-day period.

The division’s spokesman, Lt.-Col. Danjuma Danjuma, told journalists in Port Harcourt on Sunday that nine suspects were apprehended during the operation.

He said troops confiscated over 130,000 litres of crude oil and 26,000 litres of Automative Gas Oil (diesel) during the operations.

“Ten illegal refining sites were dismantled, equipment destroyed, and nine suspected oil thieves arrested. The recovered stolen crude oil and diesel are worth about N250 million,” he added.

Providing a breakdown of the operation, Mr Danjuma said that in Rivers State, troops intercepted an abandoned truck loaded with stolen crude oil along the East-West Road in Ahoada area.

He said another reservoir with over 26,000 litres of adulterated diesel was discovered, alongside equipment used for siphoning products.

“Troops also confiscated 266 sacks containing crude oil at Ebocha, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (LGA) of the state. We also made additional discoveries in Abessa Forest and Abua/Odual LGA, where several sacks and illegal refining equipment were destroyed,” he said.

In Delta State, Mr Danjuma said that the troops uncovered a tapping point and storage pit containing crude oil in Ethiope LGA.

He added that in Akwa Ibom State, 45 bags containing illegally refined diesel were recovered, noting that the suspects fled the scene and abandoned the products.

He quoted the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Emekah, as commending the troops for their resilience and urging them to sustain the offensive against economic sabotage. 

(NAN)