In a continued offensive against oil theft and pipeline vandalism, troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division have arrested 62 suspects and seized more than 350,000 litres of stolen petroleum products across Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom States.
In a statement Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations 6 Division Nigerian Army Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma said the operations, conducted between 14 and 20 July 2025 in collaboration with other security agencies, led to the deactivation of 14 illegal refining sites and the recovery of five boats used for illicit activities.
In Rivers State, troops dismantled six illegal refining sites near an abandoned wellhead at Joinkrama 4 in Ahoada West Local Government Area (LGA), confiscating about 300,000 litres of stolen crude oil and 21,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). Equipment recovered included a generator, welding machine, ovens, reservoirs, and shovels.
Also in Rivers, sites in Obiafor, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA were dismantled. Troops discovered three dug-out pits containing over 5,700 litres of crude and an unspecified quantity of AGO. Two boats loaded with condensates and a Sienna van with 1,920 litres of AGO were also intercepted. Additional recoveries included hoses, metal drums, and refining equipment.
In Bayelsa State, troops deactivated four illegal refining sites in Biseni, Yenagoa LGA, seizing over 10,000 litres of AGO and dismantling multiple ovens and pits.
Acting on intelligence in Delta State, troops arrested two suspects along Gana Road, Sapele LGA, with boats carrying 1,500 litres of refined AGO. Meanwhile, in Akwa Ibom, military patrols continue to restrict the movement of oil thieves.
Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, General Officer Commanding 6 Division, praised the troops’ commitment and urged them to maintain momentum to deny criminals the freedom to operate.
