In a sustained crackdown on oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta Region, troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, have recorded major breakthroughs across Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom States.
The operations, conducted between 14 and 20 July 2025, resulted in the arrest of 62 suspected economic saboteurs and the confiscation of over 350,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.
In Rivers State, troops deactivated six illegal refining sites near an abandoned wellhead at Joinkrama 4 in Ahoada West Local Government Area (LGA).
Recovered at the site were six large ovens, reservoirs, and receivers containing approximately 300,000 litres of stolen crude oil and 21,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). Other items included a generator set, welding machine, and several shovels.
At Obiafor in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA (ONELGA), troops dismantled more illegal refining sites. Three dug-out pits were discovered, two containing over 5,700 litres of crude oil and another with unquantified AGO.
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Two boats loaded with ten sacks of condensates were intercepted, and in Elele Town, Ikwerre LGA, troops seized a Sienna vehicle without a registration number loaded with 32 sacks containing over 1,920 litres of AGO. An illegal connection point and a pit containing over 1,200 litres of condensates were also uncovered, along with three 150-meter hoses, eight metal drums, and several ovens.
In Bayelsa State, around Biseni in Yenagoa LGA, four illegal refining sites and four dug-out pits were deactivated. Troops seized over 10,000 litres of AGO and dismantled five cooking ovens. Search operations in the creeks and rivulets are ongoing to apprehend fleeing suspects.
In Delta State, acting on intelligence, troops from Javel Sharp Sand Waterside raided Gana Road in Sapele LGA, arresting two suspected oil thieves. Two boats loaded with 30 cellophane bags containing over 1,500 litres of illegally refined AGO were recovered.
Troops also intensified operations in Akwa Ibom State, maintaining control over the area and preventing criminal activity.
Commending the troops for their efforts, the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, urged them to sustain the momentum and continue denying criminals freedom of action.
