Troops from the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division have apprehended 38 suspected oil thieves and dismantled 28 illegal refining sites during a series of coordinated operations across the Niger Delta.
The operations also led to the recovery of over 700,000 litres of stolen petroleum products and the destruction of several locally fabricated boats used by the suspects.
This was revealed in a statement on Sunday by Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of Public Relations for the 6 Division.
He noted that the success was achieved through a joint operation involving the Army and other security agencies.
According to Danjuma, the operation, which lasted six hours, demonstrated the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration in tackling oil theft in the region.
According to Danjuma, the operations were carried out between May 12 and 18, and covered multiple flashpoints in Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta and Akwa Ibom States.
The statement read, “Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in conjunction with other security agencies, have intensified the crackdown against crude oil theft and associated crimes across the Niger Delta region.
“The operations, which were conducted between 12th and 18th May 2025 led to the arrest of 38 suspected oil thieves, deactivation of 28 illegal refining sites, destruction of several locally made boats used for the criminality, with over 700,000 litres of stolen products recovered across the Niger Delta region.
“In various anti-crude oil theft operations conducted in Rivers State, particularly around Okolomade, Orashi and Ozochi Forests, troops made significant inroads.”
“Other seizures included six cooking ovens of 100,000 litres capacity each, four reservoirs, six receivers, pumping machines and generators.
“Also recovered were hoses used for transporting the stolen products over a distance. Three suspected oil thieves have been taken into custody in connection with the malfeasance.
“While around Alode junction in Eleme, following credible intelligence, troops swooped on a truck with two Lagos State Registration Numbers, LSR 546 YH and LND 974 XD, loaded with over 45,000 litres of stolen AGO parked at the junction.
”Similar operations conducted at Obiafor Forest led to the arrest of five suspected oil thieves, who were alleged to have established a new illegal bunkering site in the area,” the statement read.
Troops conducting clearance operations deactivated seven illegal refineries along the Imo River and seized equipment and over 7,000 litres of stolen oil. In a separate sting operation in Ahoada East LGA, 50 sacks of illegally refined oil, totaling about 2,500 litres, were recovered.
It continued, “Additionally, troops discovered a locally made reservoir, situated 300 meters away from an abandoned Wellhead laden with over 25,000 litres of stolen crude.
“Relatedly, at Olughighi area, a wooden boat loaded with over 10, 000 litres of stolen crude, hidden in the creeks, was demobilized while the ongoing clearance operations conducted by troops along Imo River led the deactivation of seven illegal refining sites, with 31 drum pots, 10 drum receivers demobilized, 38 sacks and over 7,000 litres of stolen products recovered.
“Similarly, a sting operation conducted at a makeshift accommodation at Amahausa Community in Ahoada East LGA, led to the recovery of over 50 sacks of illegally refined crude oil estimated to be over 2,500 litres.”
In Bayelsa State, troops uncovered an illegal refining site with six ovens in Biseni, Yenagoa LGA, where they destroyed more than 2,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.
Additionally, another site at Isonogbene Creek in Southern Ijaw LGA was discovered and dismantled, with over 1,500 litres of stolen crude oil recovered.
In Delta State, operations at Ughoton Creek in Warri South LGA led to the destruction of three active artisanal refineries and six drums containing over 3,600 litres of stolen crude and AGO.
In Akwa Ibom, troops intercepted a minibus with registration number BMT 459 XA along the Abak–Ikot Abasi Road. The vehicle was transporting over 1,170 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) concealed in nylon bags.
Major General Emmanuel Emekah, GOC of the 6 Division, commended troops during a site visit, emphasized professionalism, and assured them that their welfare remains a priority while encouraging them to maintain the momentum of ongoing operations.
