Troops of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, have dismantled 18 illegal refining sites, arrested 17 suspected oil thieves, demobilized 10 boats, and recovered over 25,000 litres of stolen petroleum products across the Niger Delta Region.
In a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, the military detailed the successes achieved during operations conducted between February 17 and 23, 2025.
The statement highlighted significant achievements in Rivers State, particularly in the Kilometre 45 and Idama areas of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area. Troops destroyed two active illegal refining sites and intercepted three wooden boats transporting over 9,000 litres of stolen crude oil.
The statement further revealed that troops intercepted a truck carrying over 3,000 litres of stolen crude at Ogale Junction along the Eket–Port Harcourt expressway.
At Okwuzi in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, troops uncovered an illegal oil bunkering site containing over 2,100 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) stored in sacks. The suspected oil thieves reportedly fled upon sighting the advancing troops.
In the Ogaji-Ama area of Bukuma, a wooden boat carrying over 1,000 litres of stolen crude was seized within the creeks.
Additionally, during clearance operations at Imo River, troops dismantled two illegal refining sites, destroyed 23 drum pots and 14 drum receivers, and confiscated over 2,000 litres of stolen crude.
The statement also highlighted operations in Bayelsa State, where troops dismantled three illegal refining sites at Clough Creek in Ekeremor Local Government Area. During the operation, they recovered a pumping machine, over 3,500 litres of stolen crude, and demobilized two wooden boats.
At Biseni in Yenagoa Local Government Area, troops deactivated another illegal refining site, recovering over 2,000 litres of stolen crude.
In Delta State, troops intercepted a Toyota Camry with registration number Anambra JJT 876 AE at Oton Village in Sapele Local Government Area. The vehicle was found transporting 16 cellophane bags filled with an unspecified quantity of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). Six suspected oil thieves were arrested during the operation.
Additionally, along the Ughelli–Patani expressway, troops intercepted a tricycle carrying several sacks of illegally refined petroleum products.
Quoting the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, the statement said, “Troops must sustain the operational momentum to ensure that economic saboteurs are denied the freedom to operate in the Niger Delta Region. Our efforts will remain relentless in combating illegal bunkering and crude oil theft.”