Nigerian Army Dismantles Illegal Bunkering Sites, Recovers Over 300,000 Litres of Stolen Products

Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, have made significant strides in combating illegal oil bunkering, dismantling 13 bunkering sites and recovering over 300,000 litres of stolen petroleum products between January 20 and 26, 2025. These joint operations, which spanned multiple states in the Niger Delta, have resulted in the confiscation of a vast amount of stolen crude oil and refined products, alongside the arrest of eight suspects.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of the 6 Division Army Public Relations, the troops targeted key locations such as the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA) in Rivers State. Here, they dismantled several illegal refining sites at the Obiafu Oil Field, uncovering large quantities of stolen automotive gas oil (AGO) and dual-purpose kerosene (DPK). In Abalama Community, Asari-Toru LGA, the soldiers recovered jerricans filled with more than 1,500 litres of illegally refined products.

In another operation at Abacheke in ONELGA, four illegal refining sites were deactivated, and over 9,200 litres of stolen AGO were seized. The operation continued in other states, including Edo, Delta, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa, where the army unearthed hidden storage facilities and intercepted vehicles siphoning crude oil from pipelines.

Tackling the Widespread Issue of Oil Theft

This series of operations underscores the growing commitment of the Nigerian Army to tackle the persistent issue of illegal oil bunkering, which has plagued the Niger Delta region for decades. With the discovery of large quantities of stolen crude and refined products, it's clear that the operations have dealt a significant blow to the criminal enterprises involved in this illicit trade. The fact that over 300,000 litres of stolen oil were recovered is a testament to the scale of the effort and the value of the products being siphoned off, often at great cost to the nation’s economy and the environment.

Oil theft has been a major issue in Nigeria, particularly in the Niger Delta, where numerous illegal refining sites continue to operate despite the government’s efforts to clamp down on such activities. These operations not only cost the government billions in lost revenue but also contribute to environmental degradation and violence in the region.

An Opinion: A Step in the Right Direction, But More Needs to Be Done

While these military operations are commendable and a step in the right direction, the question remains: will this be enough to deter the illegal activities that continue to flourish in the Niger Delta? The dismantling of bunkering sites and the seizure of stolen oil is a necessary action, but it must be part of a broader, more sustainable solution.

The issue of oil theft is deeply ingrained in the social and economic fabric of the Niger Delta. Many of those involved in illegal bunkering often come from communities that feel neglected by the government, and in some cases, these illicit activities are seen as a form of survival. Therefore, while military action is vital in curbing the immediate threat, long-term solutions must also focus on addressing the root causes of these illegal activities, including poverty, lack of employment opportunities, and the need for better infrastructure and development in the region.

Furthermore, the fight against oil theft requires a multi-pronged approach involving not just the military, but also local governments, the oil industry, and other stakeholders. Strengthening community engagement and providing alternative livelihoods for those who depend on these illegal activities could help reduce the temptation to engage in oil theft.

Looking Ahead: A Call for Collective Effort

As the Nigerian Army continues its operations against oil theft, it’s essential that the efforts are sustained, and that we, as a nation, begin to shift towards a more holistic approach to solving this problem. While military interventions are crucial, real progress can only be achieved if all sectors work together to provide lasting solutions and ensure the protection of Nigeria’s natural resources for future generations.

What are your thoughts on the Nigerian Army’s actions? Do you think this is a long-term solution, or is more needed to fully tackle the issue of oil theft in the Niger Delta? Let’s continue the conversation in the comments!