Troops of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, have intensified their clampdown on oil theft and pipeline vandalism across the Niger Delta, dismantling illegal bunkering hubs and recovering over 591,000 litres of stolen petroleum products between 28 April and 11 May 2025.
According to Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Division Lieut Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, during a series of coordinated operations, security forces dismantled 21 illegal refining sites and arrested 36 suspects implicated in oil theft activities across Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom States.
In Rivers State, significant seizures were made around the Orashi Game Reserve and Okolomade in Abua/Odual Local Government Area, where troops uncovered a 15-kilometre hose linked to an illegal loading point. Five illegal refining sites were destroyed, including a large metal tank containing over 350,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO). Another massive dugout held more than 100,000 litres of stolen crude. Equipment recovered at the sites included pumping machines, boreholes, and electrical components.
Troops also dismantled seven illegal refining sites along the Imo River, confiscating 1,428 bags containing approximately 21,500 litres of stolen crude, and demobilized five boats used for illicit transport. A truck loaded with 20,000 litres of stolen products was intercepted in Elelenwa, Eleme Local Government Area, while a Pureputt boat hidden at Coconut Estate, Bonny, contained over 10,000 litres of stolen products. Similar illegal operations were disrupted in Okarki Forest, Ahoada West, where refining equipment and a 50-metre hose were destroyed.
In Bayelsa State, a tanker truck carrying 45,000 litres of stolen AGO was intercepted, and three suspects apprehended. Troops also seized a wooden boat loaded with 1,000 litres of stolen crude between Oyeregbene and Babragbene in Southern Ijaw.
In Akwa Ibom, a tanker suspected of conveying 16,500 litres of stolen crude was intercepted in Uyo, with the driver abandoning the vehicle and fleeing.
Operations in Delta State led to the interception of two vehicles carrying over 1,250 litres of illegally refined AGO near Ada-Inri Community, Isoko South. Troops also recovered 1,175 litres of stolen crude from 38 sacks hidden in Warri South, and a Honda vehicle containing arms, ammunition, and cash during snap checks in Oshimili South.
All suspects have been handed over to relevant authorities for prosecution, while recovered products and equipment were appropriately processed under operational directives.
Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Nigerian Army, continues to tour troop locations to bolster morale and refine strategies against economic sabotage in the region.
