The Nigerian Army’s 6 Division has significantly intensified its campaign against economic sabotage, dismantling 22 illegal bunkering hubs and arresting 19 suspects across the Niger Delta.
In a series of coordinated strikes between late November and December 2025, troops recovered over 180,000 litres of stolen petroleum products, valued at more than ₦150 million.
Read also: On Eradicating Oil Theft in Nigeria’s Niger Delta
The operations spanned several states, showcasing the scale of illegal refining networks. In Bayelsa, soldiers deactivated a massive site at Siebu Creek containing 75,000 litres of crude. In Rivers State, a 9-kilometre hose was traced through the Orashi Forest, leading to four industrial-scale ovens and dugout pits.
Further seizures occurred in Delta State, where a truck was intercepted while illegally discharging 45,000 litres of diverted products at a fueling station in Agbor.
Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, spokesperson for the 6 Division, emphasized that these operations conducted alongside other security agencies aim to “dominate the operational landscape” and deny criminals freedom of movement.
Beyond the large refineries, troops also confiscated Cotonou boats, vehicles, and thousands of sacks filled with stolen crude hidden in forests and warehouses.
Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, the General Officer Commanding, praised the troops for their persistence. He urged residents to continue providing credible information to help protect national infrastructure and dismantle the criminal networks draining the nation’s resources.
