Nigerian Army Neutralise Two Vandals, Arrest 18 Oil Thieves

Troops of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army have successfully neutralised two armed vandals, recovered two AK-47 rifles, and arrested 18 suspected oil thieves in a major crackdown on oil theft and pipeline vandalism across the Niger Delta region.

According to details released on the Army’s official social media platform, the operation led to the destruction of 13 active illegal refining sites, the recovery of seven boats, and the discovery of eight illegal connection points.

In total, over 60,000 litres of stolen crude oil and refined products were confiscated in various locations.

The Army’s success followed credible intelligence about a planned attack on a pipeline owned by the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) in the Upatabo community, Ahoada West Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State.

Upon receiving the intelligence, the troops moved swiftly to the location and engaged the criminals in a gun battle.

“In the firefight that ensued, two of the armed vandals were neutralised, while others fled the scene in disarray.

Troops recovered two AK-47 rifles, eight magazines, and 69 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects,” the statement said.

In addition to the firefight, troops also conducted a series of operations in other parts of the region.

In Bille, located in Degema LGA, soldiers deactivated four illegal refining sites and seized two wooden boats carrying over 6,000 litres of stolen crude oil.

Similarly, in Odagba village near the Imo River, troops intercepted two wooden boats carrying more than 5,000 litres of stolen products and destroyed an oven and a receiver within the swampy area.

Further operations along the Ndoni-Obiafu road resulted in the discovery of two abandoned vehicles, a KIA with registration number DG 991 PHC Rivers and a Toyota Avalon with registration number GWB 972 HM Abia, as well as four motorcycles.

The vehicles, loaded with over 28 sacks of illegally refined products, were estimated to contain around 1,700 litres of stolen fuel.

The Army reaffirmed its commitment to curbing oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the region, emphasising the ongoing efforts to track down and apprehend those involved in these criminal activities.