Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, have intensified operations against oil theft and related crimes across the Niger Delta, arresting 23 suspects and recovering over 180,000 litres of stolen petroleum products between April 21 and 27, 2025.
In a statement, Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, 6 Division Lieut. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma said the coordinated operations, conducted in collaboration with other security agencies, also led to the deactivation of 13 illegal artisanal refineries across the region.
In Rivers State, troops recovered over 45,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) hidden in a dense forest around the Orachi/Okolomade area in Abia/Odual Local Government Area. Additionally, around Obiafo in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, an active illegal refining site was dismantled, with over 28,000 litres of stolen crude oil seized. One suspect was apprehended at the scene, while others fled. Troops also recovered an 800-meter-long hose and a pumping machine during the operation.
Further operations around Peterside Community in Bonny LGA uncovered another illegal refining site with three refining pots and receivers, alongside over 10,000 litres of stolen products. Along the Obrikom-Omoku axis, troops intercepted two wooden boats transporting over 3,000 litres of illegally refined AGO and arrested seven suspects linked to the crime. Clearance operations along the fringes of the Imo River continue to yield results, with several illegal facilities dismantled.
In Akwa Ibom State, troops intercepted two tanker trucks along Itu-Calabar highway and Abak-Ikomima road in Itu and Uyo LGAs respectively. The trucks, carrying a combined 79,979 litres of suspected stolen products, were discovered to have been operating with fake waybills. At Ibio Ndot Community in Orok Anam LGA, troops also uncovered 103 nylon bags containing over 3,090 litres of illegally refined AGO hidden in a cassava farm.
In Bayelsa State, operations around Biseni and Adibawa areas in Yenagoa LGA led to the recovery of over 6,200 litres of stolen crude and refined products, as well as the arrest of six suspects. Troops also seized eight wheelbarrows used in the illicit activities.
In Delta State, troops maintained a strong presence, successfully denying criminal elements the freedom to operate.
The General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, commended the troops for their efforts and urged them to sustain the momentum against economic sabotage. He also appealed to residents to support ongoing military operations by providing credible intelligence on criminal activities.
