In a sweeping crackdown across the Niger Delta, troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, have arrested 43 suspects and seized over 254,000 litres of stolen crude oil and petroleum products in a renewed offensive against oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
The operations, conducted from March 31 to April 6, 2025, spanned Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom States and were carried out in collaboration with other security agencies. The Army described the outcome as a major blow to the network of economic saboteurs operating in the region.
In Delta State, troops uncovered a large-scale illegal bunkering operation at Old Ogorode in the Sapele Local Government Area. Items recovered include:
- A Ford bus (KLK 797 HR) loaded with 90,000 litres of stolen crude oil,
- 74 drums containing 14,800 litres of petroleum products,
- A storage tank holding over 20,000 litres,
- Alongside dozens of empty drums, generators, and pumping machines.
Two suspects were arrested at the site. Elsewhere in Sapele, a Volvo Canter truck (KTG 166 XC) carrying 56 drums of illegal crude (13,400 litres) was intercepted. In Ughelli North LGA, a mini-tanker carrying 11,000 litres of illegally refined diesel (AGO) was also confiscated. Three suspects were arrested during these separate operations.
In Rivers State, troops dismantled multiple refining sites at Ataba, Andoni LGA, where over 80,000 litres of crude oil were recovered. Near Ogale Junction in Eleme LGA, soldiers intercepted 80 sacks containing approximately 3,200 litres of suspected stolen petroleum products.
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Another major bust occurred in the Okarki Forest, Ahoada West LGA, where troops uncovered a large cooking oven filled with 3,000 litres of crude oil, supported by metal receivers and iron pipes used in illegal refining.
Further raids took place in Omoku, Aloloba (Kula II), Oshie, and Krakrama, where vehicles and equipment linked to illegal bunkering were seized.
Camps Deactivated, Equipment Destroyed In Bayelsa State, troops dismantled refining sites in Okordia, Yenagoa LGA, where three ovens and four drums containing over 8,000 litres of crude oil were destroyed. Another bust at Taylor Creek in Biseni led to the discovery of eight mini ovens and seven drums with 5,500 litres of crude.
In Ekeremor’s Clough Creek, troops shut down another illegal refining camp.
Operations continued in Akwa Ibom State, where soldiers dismantled camps, destroyed refining tools, and disrupted networks used to transport stolen crude.
The Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, who issued the statement on behalf of the 6 Division, said all arrested suspects have been handed over to relevant authorities, and seized items are being processed according to military procedures.
Commending the troops, the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, said the operations are part of ongoing efforts to protect Nigeria’s economic lifelines and boost oil and gas production.
“This onslaught will not only cripple the network of oil thieves but also ramp up oil and gas production for our nation’s economic prosperity,” Emekah said.
He added that the Nigerian Army remains committed to denying criminal elements freedom of action and would maintain pressure on those sabotaging the nation’s oil infrastructure.
