The Nigerian Army has intensified its crackdown on oil theft in the Niger Delta, destroying seven illegal bunkering sites and recovering more than 109,000 litres of stolen petroleum products within two weeks.
The operations were executed by troops of the 6 Division, headquartered in Rivers State, between 10 and 23 November 2025.
Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations for the Division, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, said four suspected oil thieves were also arrested during the coordinated raids.
He noted that the sustained offensive forms part of the division’s broader efforts to curb crude oil theft and protect national economic assets.
According to him, the troops recovered over 88,000 litres of stolen crude oil and 21,355 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (diesel), valued at more than ₦150 million.
In Rivers State, operations in Okolomade, Ahoada West LGA, led to the destruction of three illegal refining sites, including large pots, receivers and coolants. Troops seized 40,000 litres of stolen crude and 20,000 litres of illegally refined diesel. Similar raids around the Imo River uncovered three more sites, along with eight drum pots, seven drum receivers and a fibre boat, yielding over 14,700 litres of stolen crude.
Also see: IPMAN Uncovers Illegal Bunkering Sites In Rivers State
In Okrika LGA, troops acting on intelligence discovered 1,050 sacks containing over 32,000 litres of stolen crude. At Abonnema Creek, a Cotonou boat loaded with 25 sacks of illegally refined diesel was intercepted.
Further operations in Akwa Ibom, Delta and Bayelsa states also resulted in the recovery of additional stolen products and disruption of criminal activities.
Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, GOC 6 Division, commended the troops and urged residents to continue sharing credible intelligence to support ongoing operations.
