By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Asaba
The Nigerian military has made significant strides in tackling illegal oil bunkering as part of an intensive six-day operation across four states. Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers states were the focal points of this operation, which led to the discovery of 11 illegal bunkering sites and the confiscation of large quantities of petroleum products.
According to a statement from the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Danjuma confirmed that seven individuals were arrested in connection with the illegal activities. The operation resulted in the recovery of 13,600 litres of stolen crude oil, 4,890 litres of adulterated diesel, and 37,700 litres of other illicit petroleum products.
In Rivers State, military personnel targeted the Imo River region, unearthing six illegal refineries. The operation led to the seizure of approximately 11,000 litres of stolen fuel and the dismantling of 41 drum pots, 18 drum receivers, and 540 sacks filled with illicit products. The troops also successfully disrupted attempts to rebuild the illegal refineries.
In Ahoada West, two Toyota Camry vehicles were intercepted, transporting over 1,300 litres of illicit diesel. Further investigations in the Bille area of Degema, Rivers State, led to the capture of seven individuals attempting to vandalize an oil facility, with over 1,500 litres of stolen crude oil recovered from three wooden boats.
Delta State also saw significant action when the military intercepted several vehicles on the Koko-Obitigbo Road, recovering 25,200 litres of an unidentified petroleum substance and 10,000 litres of stolen crude oil. In Sapele, over 3,350 litres of adulterated diesel were found stored in 100 cellophane bags.
Bayelsa State was another key target, where troops dismantled four illegal refineries in the Biseni and Okordia areas of Yenagoa, recovering 3,600 litres of stolen crude oil and other illicit products.
In Akwa Ibom, military forces intercepted 240 litres of illegally refined diesel during a routine patrol.
All arrested suspects have been handed over to the relevant security agencies for further investigation and potential prosecution, as stated by Lt.-Col. Danjuma.