In a series of intensified operations against crude oil theft across the Niger Delta, troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, have deactivated 19 illegal refining sites and recovered over 589,000 litres of stolen petroleum products between 19 and 25 May 2025.
Confirming the report, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations 6 Division Nigerian Army Lieut. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma said the operations, which spanned multiple states, led to the arrest of 20 suspected oil thieves. In Rivers State, troops uncovered illegal refining sites in Okolomade, Orashi, and Ozochi Forests in Abua/Odual Local Government Area (LGA), seizing over 300,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and 250,000 litres of crude oil. Items recovered included eight cooking ovens, seven reservoirs, six receivers, and a generator.
Additionally, nine illegal sites were dismantled along the Imo River, with troops seizing 23 drum pots, 10 drum receivers, 321 sacks, and over 16,000 litres of illicit products. At Ndoni in Ogba/Ndoni/Egbema LGA, 245 sacks containing 12,500 litres of illegally refined AGO were confiscated.
In Bonny LGA, a suspect was apprehended with a fibre hand-pulled boat, a 400-meter crude-stained hose, tools, and a mobile phone. In Delta State, over 1,000 litres of stolen products were seized in Jeddo (Okpe LGA), while in Ogbu Aladja (Warri South LGA), illegal refining operations were also shut down.
Troops in Bayelsa State dismantled illegal operations in Biseni, Yenagoa LGA, destroying four cooking ovens and other refining equipment. In Akwa Ibom State, troops have maintained dominance over land, waterways, and creeks, denying freedom of action to economic saboteurs.
All suspects have been handed over to relevant agencies for prosecution, and confiscated products managed in accordance with operational directives.
Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, General Officer Commanding 6 Division, reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to eradicating oil theft, pledging continued operations to create a secure environment for legitimate oil exploration.
