- Security forces seize 95,000 litres of stolen crude and dismantle 18 boats
- Army intensifies operations against economic sabotage in four states
The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has intensified its crackdown on illegal oil refining in the Niger Delta, dismantling 25 illicit refineries, seizing 95,000 litres of stolen crude, and arresting 12 suspected oil thieves.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Port Harcourt, Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, disclosed that the operations, conducted between February 10 and 16, 2025, were carried out in collaboration with other security agencies across Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom states.
“These well-coordinated operations led to the arrest of 12 suspected oil thieves, the deactivation of 25 illegal refining sites, and the dismantling of 18 boats used for criminal activities,” Danjuma stated.
In Rivers State, troops on a night patrol intercepted a 45,000-litre capacity DAF truck fitted with multiple plate numbers along the Trans Niger Pipeline route. The suspects abandoned the vehicle and fled upon sighting security operatives. Troops also intercepted two wooden boats in Etche LGA, loaded with over 20,000 litres of stolen crude.
Around Ndoni in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, security forces uncovered three illegal bunkering dump sites containing 3,420 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) stored in sacks. Two hoses were recovered, and two suspects were arrested.
Following a tip-off, troops raided illegal refining sites in Degema LGA, Rivers State, seizing three wooden boats loaded with 3,200 litres of stolen crude. Additional seizures were made in Buguma, Asari-Toru LGA, and Okobhio Forest in Degema LGA, where 19 refining sites, 51 drum pots, and 34 drum receivers were destroyed.
In Delta State, operations in Benneth Island, Warri South West LGA, led to the destruction of three illegal refineries and the recovery of 6,300 litres of stolen crude. A similar operation in Omadino uncovered two illegal sites with 5,400 litres of illegally refined AGO.
Meanwhile, in Udu LGA, troops seized illicit AGO stored at Cp Villa and Kazo Hotels, arresting four suspects. Another suspect was arrested in Ethiope East LGA for unlawful possession of a pump-action rifle.
Bayelsa State also witnessed major disruptions to illegal oil refining. Troops raided a newly established refining site in Yenagoa, recovering over 1,000 litres of stolen crude. Around Clough Creek in Ekeremor LGA, criminals blocked access roads to an illicit site, but troops overpowered them in a gun battle, forcing them to flee.
In Akwa Ibom State, intensified military operations have severely restricted illegal refining activities, further curbing economic sabotage in the region.
General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Major General Eric Emekah, commended the troops for their dedication and urged them to sustain their efforts against oil theft. During an operational visit to the Imo River stretch on February 15, Emekah inspected known illegal bunkering hubs in Rivers and Abia states and ordered the complete dismantling of all identified illicit refining sites.
“The troops have been instructed to comb adjoining forests and ensure the total eradication of illegal refining activities,” the statement concluded.
The Nigerian Army’s relentless operations against oil thieves continue to yield significant results, reinforcing the government’s resolve to eliminate economic sabotage in the Niger Delta.
