Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division have dismantled 21 illegal refineries, arrested 36 suspects, and recovered over 591,000 litres of stolen petroleum products in a major crackdown on oil theft across the Niger Delta.
Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, disclosed the development in a statement issued Sunday in Port Harcourt. The operations, carried out in collaboration with other security agencies, took place across Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Delta states between April 28 and May 11, 2025.
Danjuma described the ongoing offensive as a major success in the fight against crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
“In multiple operations conducted during this period, troops successfully dismantled 21 illegal refining sites, arrested 36 suspects, and seized over 591,000 litres of stolen products,” the statement read.
In Rivers State, troops uncovered a 15-kilometre hose connected to an illegal loading point around the Orashi Game Reserve in Abua/Odual LGA. Follow-up operations led to the discovery of five illegal refineries and a metal tank containing over 350,000 litres of illegally refined diesel.
Additional raids uncovered ovens and dugouts filled with over 100,000 litres of stolen crude.
Troops also seized items including pumping machines, boreholes, electric cables, and sockets.
Operations near the Imo River led to the destruction of seven illegal refineries and the confiscation of 1,428 bags of stolen crude—estimated at over 21,500 litres.
Troops also destroyed 38 drum pots, 15 receivers, and five boats used for the illicit trade.
In Elelenwa, Eleme LGA, troops intercepted a truck (EFR 302 XA) loaded with 20,000 litres of stolen products.
Similarly, in Bonny LGA, a boat containing 10,000 litres of stolen oil was discovered based on local intelligence.
In Bayelsa, troops intercepted a DAF tanker (ABM 210 XA) carrying 45,000 litres of stolen diesel and arrested three suspects.
A wooden boat loaded with 1,000 litres of crude was also found hidden between Oyeregbene and Babragbene communities in Southern Ijaw LGA.
Troops in Akwa Ibom intercepted another tanker (DAM 97 XA) in Uyo LGA with 16,500 litres of suspected stolen crude.
The driver abandoned the vehicle and fled upon sighting soldiers.
In Delta State, soldiers pursued and intercepted two Camry cars (WWR 542 AJ and GBJ 170 AA) in Ada-Inri community, both loaded with over 1,250 litres of refined diesel.
At Egbokodo, 38 sacks containing 1,175 litres of stolen crude were discovered in a bush.
A routine check at Koka in Oshimili South LGA led to the arrest of a suspect driving a Honda (AAA 289 BM), from which troops recovered two locally made pistols, cartridges, a cutlass, and ₦25,100 in cash.
All arrested individuals have been handed over to relevant authorities for prosecution, while the seized products were dealt with in accordance with existing security protocols.
The statement also noted that the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Emekah, has been on a tour of operational sites across the Niger Delta to boost troop morale and intensify efforts against economic sabotage.