Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, have intensified operations against oil theft and illegal refining activities across the Niger Delta region, recording significant breakthroughs between 20 October and 9 November 2025.
Confirming the report, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Division Lieut. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma said the operations led to the dismantling of 14 illegal refining hubs, the arrest of 14 suspected oil thieves, and the seizure of over 20,205 litres of stolen petroleum products.
In Rivers State, along the fringes of the Imo River, troops dismantled six illegal refining sites and destroyed 14 drum pots, nine drum receivers, and over 8,000 litres of stolen crude oil. The operations covered Asa, Okonta, and Okoloma in Oyigbo LGA, and Obuzor in Ukwa West LGA of Abia State. Additional seizures were made around an abandoned wellhead at the remote manifold axis, where 42 sacks containing about 1,250 litres of stolen crude oil were recovered.
Further operations were carried out around Ozochi Community in Ahoada East LGA and Angalama in Asari-Toru LGA, yielding additional recoveries.
In Delta State, troops apprehended three suspects at Eruemukohwarien, Ughelli North LGA, and seized a J5 bus, a motorcycle, and over 4,000 litres of condensate. At Bipoko Community, Warri South LGA, troops discovered an active illegal refining site with a cooking oven and 38 sacks containing about 1,140 litres of crude oil.
Similarly, in Akwa Ibom State, acting on intelligence, troops intercepted a truck transloading Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) from an underground facility at Olive Field Filling Station along the Uyo–Ikot Ekpene Road. The vehicle was found with over 3,287 litres of illegally refined AGO. In Bayelsa State, troops also sustained pressure on economic saboteurs in ongoing operations.
All suspects and confiscated items, according to military authorities, are being handled in accordance with existing operational directives.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, commended the troops for their professionalism and urged them to maintain the momentum in the ongoing fight against oil theft and other criminal activities in the region.
