Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, have intensified operations against oil theft and related crimes across the Joint Operations Area (JOA) in the Niger Delta, arresting 43 suspects and confiscating over 254,000 litres of stolen petroleum products between March 31 and April 6, 2025.
According to Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, 6 Division Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma in coordinated operations with other security agencies, troops also dismantled 14 illegal refineries, seized 14 boats used for illicit activities, intercepted several vehicles, and uncovered large-scale bunkering sites across Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom States.
In Delta State, a major illegal bunkering site was discovered at Old Ogorode, Sapele LGA, where troops recovered a Ford bus loaded with 90,000 litres of suspected stolen crude, along with additional drums, tanks, and equipment containing over 36,000 litres of illicit products. Two suspects were apprehended at the scene.
Also in Delta, a Volvo truck conveying 56 drums of stolen crude oil—amounting to 13,400 litres—was intercepted at Amukpe, while a mini tanker with 11,000 litres of illegally refined AGO was seized in Ughelli North LGA. Three suspects are in custody in connection with these seizures.
In Rivers State, troops dismantled several illegal refining sites, including one in Andoni LGA where over 80,000 litres of stolen crude were confiscated. Other successful operations took place in Eleme, Ahoada West, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Akuku-Toru, ONELGA, and Degema LGAs, leading to more seizures and arrests.
In Bayelsa, troops uncovered multiple refining sites around Okordia and Taylor Creek in Yenagoa LGA, with over 13,500 litres of stolen crude recovered. Similar operations in Clough Creek, Ekeremor, and other parts of the region saw illegal facilities dismantled and equipment seized.
Operations also extended into Akwa Ibom State, where troops disrupted the activities of suspected economic saboteurs and destroyed several illicit facilities.
All suspects have been handed over to relevant authorities, while seized products are being processed in line with existing protocols.
Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, General Officer Commanding 6 Division, commended the troops for their dedication and called for sustained collaboration with stakeholders to ensure the continued protection of the nation’s oil assets.
