In a major crackdown on oil theft and illegal bunkering activities, the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has arrested no fewer than 62 suspected oil thieves and seized over 350,000 litres of stolen petroleum products across four states in the Niger Delta.
The operations, conducted between July 14 and 20, 2025, also led to the dismantling of 14 illegal refining sites and the confiscation of five boats used for transporting the illicit products.
This was disclosed in a statement on Sunday by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, who said the operation was carried out in collaboration with other security agencies.
According to the statement, the Army targeted criminal networks in Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom states, disrupting illegal supply chains and deactivating illicit refining infrastructure in creeks and forested areas.
“In Rivers State, troops operating around an abandoned wellhead at Joinkrama 4, in Ahoada West LGA, deactivated six illegal refining sites. Equipment recovered included six large ovens, reservoirs, and receivers containing about 300,000 litres of stolen crude oil and 21,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO),” Danjuma said.
The troops also recovered a generator set, welding machine, and shovels believed to have been used for constructing the illegal refineries.
In a related operation in the Obiafor axis of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers, several illegal sites were dismantled. Troops discovered three dug-out pits—two containing over 5,700 litres of stolen crude and another filled with unquantified AGO. Two boats carrying ten sacks of condensates were also intercepted.
At Elele Town in Ikwerre LGA, a Sienna vehicle without a number plate was intercepted with 32 sacks containing approximately 1,920 litres of stolen AGO.
Further, an illegal connection point and a dug-out pit with over 1,200 litres of condensate were discovered. Troops also seized eight metal drums, three hoses each measuring 150 metres, and several locally fabricated refining ovens.
In Bayelsa State, the Army said four illegal refining sites and four dug-out pits were uncovered around Biseni in Yenagoa LGA. Over 10,000 litres of stolen AGO were confiscated, and five cooking ovens were dismantled.
In Delta State, troops acting on intelligence launched an operation from Javel Sharp Sand Waterside to Gana Road in Sapele LGA, leading to the arrest of two suspects. The suspects were nabbed with two boats loaded with 30 cellophane bags containing over 1,500 litres of illegally refined AGO.
While giving an update on Akwa Ibom, the Army said troops continue to dominate the operational environment, making it increasingly difficult for oil thieves to operate freely.
Commending the operatives, the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, praised the troops for their professionalism and success in the ongoing campaign.
He urged them to maintain momentum and continue denying “economic saboteurs” the space to perpetrate their illegal activities.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the nation’s economic assets and called for continued support from the public through credible intelligence.
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