Troops of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, have apprehended 38 suspected oil thieves, dismantled 28 illegal refining sites, and recovered over 700,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.
The operations were conducted across various states in the Niger Delta between 12 and 18 May 2025.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Danjuma.
He noted that “the operations led to the destruction of several locally fabricated boats used for illegal bunkering.”
In Rivers State, troops carried out targeted missions in Okolomade, Orashi, and Ozochi Forests. At Ozochi Forest, an illegal connection was discovered directly on a wellhead. Further raids uncovered over 200 sacks of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 300,000 litres of stolen crude oil in cooking ovens, and another 300,000 litres of stolen AGO.
Seized items included six industrial-sized cooking ovens (each with a 100,000-litre capacity), four reservoirs, six receivers, pumping machines, and generators. Three individuals were arrested in connection with the activities.
In the Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, a truck carrying over 45,000 litres of stolen AGO was intercepted at Alode Junction, following credible intelligence. Further operations in Obiafor Forest led to the arrest of five suspects and the seizure of a reservoir containing more than 25,000 litres of stolen crude oil.
In the Olughighi area, troops immobilised a wooden boat carrying over 10,000 litres of stolen crude, which had been hidden in the creeks.
Operations along the Imo River resulted in the dismantling of seven illegal refining sites. Troops recovered 31 drum pots, 10 drum receivers, 38 sacks, and over 7,000 litres of stolen petroleum products. A separate raid in the Amahausa Community, Ahoada East LGA, yielded over 50 sacks of illegally refined crude oil, totalling approximately 2,500 litres.
Beyond Rivers State, troops deactivated illegal refineries in Biseni (Yenagoa LGA) and Isonogbene Creek (Southern Ijaw LGA), recovering over 3,500 litres of stolen products.
In Delta State, crude oil was intercepted in the Ughoton Creeks, Warri South LGA. Troops dismantled three artisanal refining sites and arrested a truck driver at Wellhead 3, Olomoro Flow Station, Isoko South LGA.
In Akwa Ibom State, along the Abak–Ikot Abasi road, a mini-bus transporting 1,170 litres of illegally refined AGO was seized, and the driver was arrested and is currently assisting with investigations.
Commending the efforts, the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, applauded the troops for their operational achievements and encouraged them to “sustain and scale up the momentum as the operations continue.”
He further reassured that “the welfare of the troops remains a top priority.”