Troops of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army have uncovered and destroyed 21 illegal refining sites in a massive operation against oil theft and pipeline vandalism across the Niger Delta, recovering over 591,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.
The clampdown, which took place between April 28 and May 11, 2025, was executed in collaboration with other security agencies, according to a statement on Sunday by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma.
In Rivers State alone, troops busted several illegal operations around the Orashi Game Reserve and Okolomade area of Abua/Odual Local Government Area, where a 15-kilometre hose connected to an illegal loading point was discovered.
Follow-up operations in the area led to the dismantling of five illegal refining sites. Troops seized a large metal tank filled with 350,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), while an additional dugout pit containing over 100,000 litres of stolen crude was neutralised.
At the Imo River axis, seven more illegal refineries were destroyed. Troops also recovered 1,428 bags containing over 21,500 litres of stolen crude, demobilised five boats used for illicit transport, and destroyed 38 drum pots and 15 drum receivers.
In Elelenwa, Eleme LGA, a truck (registration number EFR 302 XA) carrying 20,000 litres of stolen products was intercepted.
Similarly, at Otokolomabie and Coconut Estate in Bonny LGA, troops impounded a Pureputt boat concealed in the creeks with over 10,000 litres of stolen products.
Further operations in Ahoada West LGA uncovered an illegal refining site in Okarki Forest, equipped with an oven, waste pit, and a 50-meter hose.
Bayelsa State was not spared in the crackdown. Troops intercepted a DAF XF380 tanker (registration number ABM 210 XA) loaded with 45,000 litres of stolen AGO, arresting three suspects in the process.
Another wooden boat containing over 1,000 litres of stolen crude was found hidden between Oyeregbene and Babragbene communities in Southern Ijaw LGA.
In Akwa Ibom, credible intelligence led troops to intercept a tanker truck (registration number DAM 97 XA) conveying 16,500 litres of stolen crude at Ring Road 2 in Uyo.
The driver abandoned the vehicle and fled upon sighting the military.
Delta State also witnessed significant seizures. Troops chased down two Toyota Camry vehicles, discovering over 1,250 litres of illegally refined AGO.
At Egbokodo in Warri South LGA, 38 sacks of crude oil totaling 1,175 litres were found stashed in bushes.
A snap check at Koka, Oshimili South LGA, uncovered a Honda vehicle (registration number AAA 289 BM) containing two locally made pistols, cartridges, a cutlass, and N25,100 in cash.
All arrested suspects have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for prosecution, while recovered items and destroyed sites were dealt with according to military operational guidelines.
The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to stamping out crude oil theft, urging continued collaboration from local communities and stakeholders in the fight against economic sabotage.
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