TROOPS of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, have dismantled 18 illegal refining sites, apprehended 17 suspected oil thieves, deactivated 10 boats, and recovered over 25,000 litres of stolen petroleum products across the Niger Delta region.
These operations, according to a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, were carried out between February 17 and 23, 2025.
The statement highlighted notable successes in Rivers State, particularly around Kilometre 45 in the Idama area of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area (LGA), where troops destroyed two active illegal refining sites and intercepted three wooden boats transporting over 9,000 litres of stolen crude.
Additionally, at Ogale Junction along the Eket–Port Harcourt expressway, troops seized a truck carrying over 3,000 litres of stolen crude.
In Okwuzi, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, an illegal oil bunkering dump containing more than 2,100 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) stored in sacks was uncovered. The statement noted that the suspects fled upon sighting the troops.
Similarly, in the Ogaji-Ama area of Bukuma, troops intercepted a wooden boat laden with over 1,000 litres of stolen crude within the creeks.
Meanwhile, clearance operations at Imo River led to the destruction of two illegal refining sites, 23 drum pots, 14 drum receivers, and the confiscation of over 2,000 litres of stolen crude.
In Bayelsa State, troops dismantled three illegal refining sites at Clough Creek in Ekeremor LGA, seizing a pumping machine, over 3,500 litres of stolen crude, and immobilizing two wooden boats. A separate operation at Biseni in Yenagoa LGA resulted in the shutdown of another illegal refining site and the recovery of more than 2,000 litres of stolen crude.
Operations in Delta State led to the interception of a Toyota Camry with registration number Anambra JJT 876 AE at Oton Village in Sapele LGA.
The vehicle was found carrying 16 cellophane bags containing an undisclosed quantity of illegally refined AGO, resulting in the arrest of six suspects. Additionally, troops along the Ughelli–Patani expressway intercepted a tricycle transporting multiple sacks of illegally refined petroleum products.
Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, General Officer Commanding 6 Division, emphasized the military’s commitment to eradicating crude oil theft, saying, “Troops must maintain operational momentum to deny economic saboteurs the ability to operate in the Niger Delta region. Our efforts will remain relentless in combating illegal bunkering and crude oil theft.”
