Nigerian Army dismantles 42 illegal refineries in Niger Delta crackdown

The Nigerian Army has recently dismantled 42 illegal oil refining sites and apprehended 29 suspects linked to oil theft in its anti-bunkering operations across the Niger Delta region.

As gathered by the Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), the news was disclosed in a statement released by the acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 6 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah on Sunday.

The Lieutenant said the operations, which took place from December 9 to 15, 2024, led to the seizure of 197,000 liters of stolen petroleum products.

The report also detailed that the troops dismantled equipment associated with illegal refining, including 32 boats, 12 vehicles, and eight motorcycles.

“The army focused on critical areas in Bayelsa, Rivers, and Delta States, with the goal of disrupting the ongoing crude oil theft and mitigating environmental harm in the region,” Danjuma said.

In addition, the statement detailed specific successes in Bayelsa State.

“In the vicinity of Biseni Forest in Yenagoa Local Government Area (LGA), soldiers deactivated four illegal refining sites, recovering approximately 37,000 liters of stolen crude oil.

“Further, near the Oando Wellhead in Okordia Forest, another operation dismantled sites yielding around 29,900 liters of illegally refined crude and 2,000 liters of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).

“In the Olukama and Sabasuo areas of Nembe LGA, troops dealt with another illegal refining site involving a wooden boat carrying over 5,000 liters of water-stolen crude.

“Additionally, in Igbomotoru Creek in Southern Ijaw, the troops uncovered a hidden wooden boat containing over 1,000 liters of stolen crude.

On a similar note, Rivers State witnessed significant advances in the operations.

“Near Kula in Akuku-Toru LGA, soldiers intercepted three illegal refining sites, one wooden boat, and five fiber boats, confiscating more than 30,000 liters of stolen crude.

“In the Bille area of Degema LGA, troops dismantled two refining sites, recovered two wooden boats, and seized about 4,000 liters of stolen crude.

“The army’s efforts continued along the Imo River, where they dismantled 13 illegal refining sites, disposed of 73 drum pots, 40 drum receivers, and 11 metal container receivers, while also seizing over 28,500 liters of stolen products.

“In various localities such as Elele-Omoku Road, Obiafo, and Ogbogolo communities in Abual/Odual LGA, as well as Alesa in Eleme LGA and Coconut Estate in Bonny Island LGA, additional seizures were made.

“In Delta State, operations at Aronwon Community in Warri North LGA led to the deactivation of one active illegal refining site with five ovens, one boat, and about 5,000 liters of illegally refined AGO.

“Troops also intercepted three tanker trucks suspected of carrying illegally refined AGO at the Pig Parker Filling Station along Refinery Road in Uvwie LGA.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, affirmed the military’s commitment to continuing its anti-bunkering efforts in the Niger Delta.

He praised the troops for maintaining a high operational tempo and emphasized that these initiatives align with the goals set for December 2024.

Know about Nigerian Army

The Nigerian Army (NA) serves as the land force of the Nigerian Armed Forces and is its largest component.

The President of Nigeria acts as the Commander-in-Chief, while the Chief of Army Staff leads the army as its highest-ranking officer.

Governance falls under the Nigerian Army Council (NAC).

The army is divided into ten operational and geographical divisions, which represent its basic field formation.

The Nigerian Army has conducted numerous operations nationwide.

During the Nigerian Civil War, it participated in various international missions.

Notably, Nigerian officers have taken on leadership roles in other nations, such as Brigadier General Maxwell Khobe, who served as Sierra Leone’s Chief of Staff from 1998 to 1999.

Additionally, Nigerian personnel have acted as Command Officers-in-Charge of the Armed Forces of Liberia since at least 2007.

The army has gained international recognition for its professionalism, especially in counterterrorism and counterinsurgency.

In 2022, it received the “Best Land Force in National Defence in Africa” award in Banjul, Gambia.

 History/Formation

The origins of the Nigerian Army date back to the Constabulary Force formed by Lieutenant John Hawley Glover in 1863.

The original force mainly comprised freed Hausa slaves.

It aimed to safeguard the Royal Niger Company from military threats posed by the Ashanti Empire.

Over time, the Constabulary Force expanded to meet the British Empire’s needs in West Africa.

By 1879, the force evolved into the Gold Coast and Hausa Constabulary regiments,.

This later became known as the Ghana Regiment and Southern Nigeria Regiment.

In 1900, British authorities amalgamated these regiments into the Royal West African Frontier Force (RWAFF).

This followed the Benin Expedition in 1897 and wider reforms of British colonial military units, including the Egyptian Army.

During World War II, Nigerian troops trained by the British participated in significant campaigns such as the East African Campaign and operations in the Far East.

Independence

After Nigeria gained independence, ethnic divisions began to emerge in the army, partially due to colonial recruiting practices.

While the northern regions mainly supplied line infantry and artillery, World War II’s expansion brought many educated southerners into the ranks for more technical roles.

Similar to Ghana, there was considerable pressure to “Nigerianize” the armed forces.

In a notable development, two officers were promoted to Brigadier ranks publicly to address demands around the final British command in Lagos.

Initially a force of about 8,000 personnel organized into five infantry battalions and supporting units.

The army’s strength surged to roughly 120,000 by the end of the Nigerian Civil War in 1970.

Despite these changes, the army’s core mission did not shift significantly.

Its fundamental role remained focused on engaging and defeating organized enemies, ensuring national security and stability.

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