The Nigerian Army has announced the arrest of 35 suspected oil thieves accused of operating illegal refineries and breaking into pipelines to siphon crude oil across four Niger Delta states.

The spokesman of the Nigerian Army, 6 Division, Port Harcourt, Lt.-Col. Danjuma Danjuma disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, saying the states are Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers.

Danjuma also stated that troops destroyed 58 illegal artisanal refineries and seized about 11,200 litres of stolen crude oil and 355,000 litres of adulterated diesel during the raids.

“The operations were conducted between Oct 21 and Oct 27 as part of ongoing efforts to eliminate oil theft and illegal bunkering activities in the Niger Delta region.

“In Rivers, troops dismantled 22 illegal refineries and confiscated 131,500 litres of illegally refined diesel, 10,300 litres of condensates, and two wooden boats.

“Six suspected oil thieves were apprehended during operations in Akuku-Toru, Ahoada East, Degema, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Areas (LGA), as well as in Obiofo Oil Field, Odagwa and Imo River,” he said.

According to him, in Akwa Ibom, troops achieved notable successes, smashing 34 illegal refining sites and arresting 27 suspects across various communities.

He added that items seized included 215,000 litres of adulterated diesel, 19 wooden boats, nine vehicles, and 20 nylon bags used to store petroleum products.

“In Delta, we arrested two suspected oil thieves and seized 1,200 litres of crude oil, 16 cellophane bags, two wooden boats, and one vehicle in Warri South and Ethiope West LGAs.

“Operations in Bayelsa led to the destruction of two illegal refining sites and the seizure of 8,500 litres of diesel and 10,000 litres of stolen crude oil.

“At least seven wooden boats were confiscated, and three vandals were arrested during the raids in Ekeremor, Nembe, Southern Ijaw, and Yenagoa Local Government Areas,” Danjuma added.