In a sweeping security operation across the Niger Delta, operatives of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division have arrested 62 suspected oil thieves and confiscated over 350,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.
The military also destroyed 14 illegal refining sites as part of a sustained clampdown on oil bunkering and economic sabotage.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday in Port Harcourt by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Danjuma.
The operations, which lasted from July 14 to 20, 2025, were carried out in collaboration with other security agencies across Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom states.
“These feats were achieved through coordinated efforts aimed at disrupting the operations of economic saboteurs and restoring sanity to the affected areas,” Danjuma said.
“We deactivated 14 illegal refining sites and intercepted five boats carrying stolen petroleum products.”
In Rivers State, six illegal refining sites were uncovered and dismantled near an abandoned wellhead at Joinkrama 4 in Ahoada West Local Government Area. The troops destroyed six large ovens, reservoirs, and receivers containing approximately 300,000 litres of crude oil and 21,000 litres of illegally refined diesel, also known as Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
Recovered equipment from the site included a generator, welding machine, and various tools used in the illicit refining process.
Danjuma added, “Around Obiafor in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, troops dismantled several more illegal refining camps. They discovered three dug-out pits, two of which were filled with about 5,700 litres of stolen crude, while the third contained an unspecified volume of AGO.”
Security forces also intercepted a vehicle without a registration number at Elele Town in Ikwerre LGA. The car was loaded with 32 sacks filled with 1,920 litres of illegally refined AGO. In a separate operation, two boats containing ten sacks of condensate were seized in Obiafor.
Further intelligence-led operations in Bayelsa State led to the destruction of four more illegal refining sites and the seizure of over 10,000 litres of stolen AGO in Biseni, Yenagoa LGA. Five cooking ovens used for crude processing were also dismantled.
In Delta State, acting on a tip-off, troops raided the Gana Road area in Sapele LGA and arrested two suspects. They were caught with two boats containing 30 cellophane bags filled with 1,500 litres of illegally refined AGO.
The Army also reported continued dominance over the operational landscape in Akwa Ibom, effectively preventing criminal elements from establishing a foothold.
The General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, praised the troops for their bravery and success.
“I commend the gallantry of our troops in executing these missions. Their dedication is crucial in denying criminals the freedom to sabotage our economy,” he said. “We must keep up the momentum and ensure these illicit activities are permanently stamped out.”
The Army reaffirmed its commitment to securing the nation’s oil assets and urged residents to continue providing credible information to aid security operations in the region.
