In a major success in the fight against illegal oil theft, the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has dismantled 12 illegal refining sites, arrested 16 suspects, and recovered approximately 70,000 liters of stolen petroleum products across the Niger Delta region. The operations, which took place between January 27 and February 2, 2025, were part of a week-long crackdown aimed at curbing the rampant activities of oil thieves in the region.
Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, revealed the significant achievements in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Sunday evening. He disclosed that the operation, carried out in collaboration with other security agencies, targeted key areas in Rivers and three other states, resulting in the demobilisation of six boats and the interception of nine vandalized pipelines.
The success was particularly evident in Rivers State, where troops intercepted two fully loaded suction trucks along the Igwurita-Airport Road in Ikwerre Local Government Area. Each truck was carrying 12,000 liters of stolen crude oil. The troops also uncovered a large storage facility at a scrap yard along the same road, seizing over 10,000 liters of stolen petroleum products stored in multiple tanks.
Further operations around the Imo River led to the destruction of three illegal refining sites, along with 43 cooking drum pots, 23 receivers, and three fiber boats. More than 4,000 liters of stolen petroleum products were also confiscated, while a locally fabricated double-barrel gun, believed to have been abandoned by fleeing oil thieves, was recovered.
In the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, the army dismantled four illegal refining sites and destroyed 86 locally made ovens. A dugout pit containing over 7,200 liters of stolen crude oil and 2,700 liters of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) was also discovered.
Troops in the area intercepted over 102 sacks containing approximately 5,100 litres of stolen AGO and Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at Ndoni Waterside. Another 35 sacks filled with 2,100 litres of illegally refined AGO were seized at Agah, while two oil thieves were apprehended in Omoku with 14 sacks of condensates stored in their residence.
Delta State also saw significant progress, with troops intercepting an abandoned wooden boat containing over 3,160 litres of stolen crude oil in the Ashaka Okpai community water channel. In Bayelsa State, a suspected oil thief was arrested in the Sagbama Local Government Area with over 1,100 litres of illegally refined AGO.
Read More: Nigerian Navy Dismantles Illegal Refinery Sites in Rivers State
Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Emekah, General Officer Commanding the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, commended the troops for their dedication and success in the operation. He urged them to maintain their operational tempo, ensuring a safer environment for legitimate oil exploration activities and called for continued professionalism and discipline in executing their duties.
The dismantling of illegal refining operations and the interception of stolen petroleum products are seen as a significant step in tackling the ongoing crisis of oil theft in the Niger Delta, a challenge that has long plagued Nigeria’s economy and security landscape.
