Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, have continued their relentless operations against oil thieves and economic saboteurs across the Niger Delta Region (NDR), recovering over 67,000 litres of stolen crude and illegally refined petroleum products between 14 and 20 April 2025.
According to Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations 6 Division, Nigerian Army Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the coordinated operations, carried out in collaboration with critical stakeholders, led to the dismantling of 16 illegal refining sites, arrest of 23 suspects, and recovery of arms, ammunition, and equipment used in illegal oil bunkering.
In Yenagoa Local Government Area (YELGA), troops uncovered four illegal refining sites near Adibawa Oando Wellhead, recovering over 35,000 litres of stolen crude oil, 2,500 litres of refined Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO), and various equipment including a wellhead valve and pumping machines. The site used an 80-metre pipe to siphon crude directly from the wellhead.
Also, along Gbarain-Zarama Road, troops intercepted tricycles transporting stolen products and arrested two suspects.
Clearance operations along the Imo River corridor led to the deactivation of six artisanal refineries, seizure of 30 drum pots, 24 receivers, and 1,100 sacks containing over 22,000 litres of stolen products around Obuzor (Ukwa West, Abia State) and Okoloma (Oyigbo LGA, Rivers State).
In Okrika Creek, troops, acting on intelligence, recovered a wooden boat loaded with 2,500 litres of crude, likely siphoned from the NNPC Jetty.
Six individuals were arrested in Kula, Akuku-Toru LGA, including buyers and sellers of stolen products. The operation also led to the seizure of three tugboats, one fibre boat, and over 1,500 litres of AGO.
In a security sweep, troops raided a suspected kidnapper’s hideout near Rhobot City and Iselle Azagba Community, apprehending two suspects and recovering a cache of weapons, including four firearms, 56 cartridges, bladed weapons, military gear, and fetish items.
Meanwhile, in Warri South, an illegal refinery was dismantled, and over 600 litres of stolen crude and illegally refined AGO were recovered.
Troops maintained dominance, conducting area patrols and denying criminals the freedom to operate.
The General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, visited operational areas in Bayelsa and Delta States, where he commended the troops for their resilience. He urged them to maintain momentum and assured them of continued support, especially regarding welfare and logistics.
“We remain committed to neutralising all forms of economic sabotage in the region,” he stated, reinforcing the Army’s resolve to curb oil theft and its associated criminal networks.
