The Nigerian Army’s 6 Division has arrested 29 suspected oil thieves and dismantled 24 illegal refineries in a coordinated operation across the Niger Delta region. Over 60,000 litres of stolen petroleum products were also recovered during the crackdown.
In a statement issued on Monday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, confirmed the success of the operation, which took place between February 3 and 9, 2025.
He stated, “Troops of 6 Division, in collaboration with other security agencies, conducted clearance operations across the Niger Delta, leading to the arrest of 29 suspects, the deactivation of 24 illegal refining sites, and the demobilization of 11 boats. More than 60,000 litres of stolen products were also seized.”
The military’s offensive covered multiple locations, including Imo River, Obigbo, Buguma, Akuku-Toru, and Ndokwa East Local Government Areas.
According to Danjuma, troops dismantled six illegal refineries along the Imo River, destroying 113 drum pots and 83 drum receivers. Additionally, two boats carrying over 18,000 litres of stolen crude were intercepted.
Around Asa in Obigbo Local Government Area, the operation uncovered a storage facility containing 1,000 litres of stolen products and 100 sacks filled with approximately 1,500 litres of crude oil.
In Asari-Toru LGA’s Buguma area, a refinery with two large processing pots was demolished. One of the seized containers held over 9,000 litres of stolen crude oil.
Meanwhile, at Ebocha Well 5, an active illegal refining site was dismantled, with reservoirs containing 5,900 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil and 3,500 litres of stolen crude.
Danjuma further revealed, “Troops recovered 37 sacks containing over 2,220 litres of illegally refined AGO. One suspect was arrested at the scene.”
The crackdown extended to Delta State, where a sting operation at Okpai Oluchi community in Ndokwa East LGA led to the seizure of 70 sacks containing over 2,800 litres of stolen products.
In Isoko South LGA, troops intercepted a suspect transporting illicit petroleum products. The suspect abandoned a Sienna bus with registration number Lagos APP 89 CV, which was loaded with 15 sacks of illegally refined AGO.
Similarly, in Bayelsa State, illegal refining sites were dismantled along the Joinkrama 4–Okarki boundary in Yenagoa and Ahoada West LGAs. Troops also confiscated 2,500 litres of AGO at Biseni along the River Niger and in Akpedi community.
Danjuma emphasized that military forces remain on high alert in Akwa Ibom State to prevent criminal activities. “Our troops continue to dominate the operational areas, ensuring that criminal elements do not regain freedom of action,” he added.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to combating oil theft and illegal refining, warning perpetrators that security forces would sustain efforts to dismantle illicit operations across the region.
