The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has intensified its campaign against oil theft in the Niger Delta, successfully deactivating 25 illegal refineries, apprehending 12 suspected oil thieves, and recovering 95,000 litres of stolen crude across four states.
The operations, conducted between February 10 and 16, 2025, also led to the destruction of 18 boats used in illicit activities and the seizure of refining equipment, in collaboration with other security agencies.
According to a statement from the acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, the coordinated operations resulted in the deactivation of 25 illegal refining sites and the recovery of over 95,000 litres of stolen crude. Additionally, 18 boats were destroyed, and the military arrested 12 suspects involved in oil theft.
In Rivers State, troops intercepted a 45,000-litre DAF truck suspected of siphoning crude from the Trans Niger Pipeline. The truck, with multiple plate numbers, was abandoned by its occupants upon sighting security forces. At the Odagwa-Imo River stretch in Etche LGA, two wooden boats carrying 20,000 litres of stolen crude were seized.
In Ndoni, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, three illegal bunkering dumps were discovered, containing 3,420 litres of illegally refined diesel stored in sacks, leading to the arrest of two suspects. Meanwhile, in Karakrama, Degema LGA, three wooden boats carrying 3,200 litres of stolen crude were intercepted.
Further operations at Kumufari and Ogbonma Forests in Buguma, Asari-Toru LGA, led to the shutdown of 19 refining sites, the seizure of 51 drum pots and 34 drum receivers, and the recovery of over 4,000 litres of stolen products.
In Delta State, troops targeted Benneth Island in Warri South West LGA, where three active illegal refining sites were deactivated, destroying holding facilities and recovering over 6,300 litres of stolen crude.
At Omadino, Warri South, two more illegal sites were shut down, with 5,400 litres of refined AGO seized. In Udu LGA’s Aladja area, troops raided Cp Villa and Kazo Hotels, where they discovered illegally refined AGO. Four suspects were arrested, and in Eku, Ethiope East, a suspect was apprehended with a pump-action rifle.
In Bayelsa State, a new illegal refinery was uncovered at Etelabu Forest in Yenagoa, with over 1,000 litres of stolen crude recovered. In Biseni, Yenagoa, a tricycle loaded with illegally refined AGO was intercepted, though the driver fled.
Troops in Clough Creek, Ekeremor LGA, faced armed resistance while dismantling an illegal refinery but responded with superior firepower, forcing the criminals to flee and abandoning two wooden boats and an unspecified amount of stolen crude.
The military’s operations also continue in Akwa Ibom State, where efforts to curb oil theft are ongoing. Maj. Gen. Eric Emekah, General Officer Commanding of the 6 Division, commended the troops for their success in addressing oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
During a visit to the Imo River stretch on February 15, 2025, he assessed illegal activities in Rivers State’s Afam, Obeama, and Umuori Creek, as well as Asa waterways in Abia State, areas known for illegal bunkering.
“The GOC directed that all life-supporting structures and several illegal refining sites be dismantled in these identified hotspots,” the statement noted. Emekah also urged the troops to continue denying economic saboteurs the freedom to operate, stressing the importance of increasing exploration activities in the Niger Delta region.
