Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in joint operations with other security agencies, have intensified the crackdown on crude oil theft (COT) across the Niger Delta region, arresting 38 suspects and recovering over 700,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.
According to Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, 6 Division Lieut. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the operations, conducted between May 12 and 18, 2025, also led to the deactivation of 28 illegal refining sites and the destruction of several locally made boats used in the illicit trade.
In Rivers State, troops uncovered a major illegal connection on a wellhead in Ozochi Forest. Further operations in the area led to the discovery of over 200 sacks of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 300,000 litres of stolen crude in cooking ovens, and an additional 300,000 litres of AGO ready for distribution. Recovered equipment included six industrial-sized cooking ovens, four reservoirs, six receivers, generators, pumps, and long-range hoses used for siphoning stolen products. Three suspects were arrested in connection with the site.
At Alode junction in Eleme, acting on intelligence, troops intercepted a truck bearing Lagos registration numbers LSR 546 YH and LND 974 XD, loaded with over 45,000 litres of stolen AGO. In Obiafor Forest, five suspects were arrested at a newly established illegal bunkering site. Troops also recovered a locally fabricated reservoir containing over 25,000 litres of crude oil near an abandoned wellhead.
Additional operations in Olughighi, Imo River axis, and Amahausa Community in Ahoada East led to the deactivation of multiple refining sites, confiscation of over 50 sacks of illegally refined products, and recovery of more than 7,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.
In Bayelsa State, troops neutralized illegal refining sites at Biseni and Isonogbene Creek, recovering thousands of litres of crude oil and dismantling six refining ovens and reservoirs. In Delta State, troops uncovered active artisanal refineries in Ughoton Creeks, Warri South, and intercepted a truck transporting crude oil near Olomoro Flow Station in Isoko South LGA.
In Akwa Ibom, a minibus loaded with 1,170 litres of AGO in nylon bags was intercepted along Abak–Ikot Abasi Road. The driver was arrested and is in custody.
Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, commended troops for their professionalism and urged them to sustain momentum. During on-the-spot assessments, he assured personnel that their welfare remains a top priority.
