The Nigerian Army’s 6 Division in Port Harcourt, in collaboration with other security agencies, has seized 60,000 litres of petroleum products and dismantled 32 illegal refineries in operations carried out from January 6 to January 12, 2025.
According to a statement released on Sunday by Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah, Acting Deputy Director of Public Relations for the Division, 14 boats used for transporting the illegally refined products were also deactivated during the operation.
Additionally, 15 individuals suspected of involvement in oil theft were arrested across the joint operations area.
The security operation comes amid ongoing efforts to tackle oil theft and environmental damage caused by unauthorized refining activities. Authorities have not disclosed the specific locations or identities of the suspects, pending further investigation. Lt. Col. Jonah noted that the seized products would undergo further examination while investigations continue to determine the extent of the suspects’ involvement.