The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has announced that its troops destroyed 25 illegal refineries and recovered 95,000 litres of stolen products, while 12 suspected oil thieves were arrested in the Niger Delta.
The Army also stated that its troops destroyed 18 boats used by the suspects, along with other ancillary equipment, at various sites across four states in the region.
The Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Sunday and sent to journalists.
Danjuma revealed that the operation was carried out in conjunction with sister security agencies between 10th and 16th February 2025.
The statement reads: “The well-coordinated operations led to the arrest of 12 suspected oil thieves, the deactivation of 25 illegal refining sites, and the dismantling of 18 boats used for criminal activities, with over 95,000 litres of stolen crude recovered.
“In Rivers State, troops on a routine night patrol intercepted a 45,000-litre capacity DAF truck with multiple plate numbers, attempting to steal crude along the Trans Niger Pipeline 36-inch route.
“The criminals fled and abandoned the truck upon sighting the troops. Additionally, along the Odagwa–Imo River stretch in Etche Local Government Area, troops intercepted two wooden boats laden with over 20,000 litres of stolen crude.
“Around Ndoni in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, troops discovered three illegal bunkering dump sites containing over 3,420 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), stored in sacks. Two hoses were recovered, and two suspected oil thieves were arrested in connection with the crime.”
In a related development, the statement noted that following a tip-off about illegal activities around Karakarma in Degema LGA, Rivers State, troops intercepted three wooden boats carrying over 3,200 litres of stolen crude.
“Other seizures were made at Kumufari and Ogbonma forests in Buguma, Asari-Toru LGA, and Okobhio Forest in Degema LGA, Rivers State. Around the Imo River, troops deactivated 19 illegal refining sites, 51 drum pots, and 34 drum receivers, handling over 4,000 litres of stolen crude.
“Similarly, in Delta State, troops conducted operations in the Benneth Island general area of Warri South West LGA, where they deactivated three active illegal refining sites, destroyed several holding facilities, and confiscated over 6,300 litres of stolen crude.
“This feat was also replicated in the Omadino general area of Warri South, where two active illegal refining sites were dismantled, several holding facilities were destroyed, and over 5,400 litres of illegally refined AGO were recovered,” he added.
Similarly, other AGO seizures were made in the Aladja general area of Udu LGA, where troops confiscated illegally refined AGO stored within the premises of Cp Villa and Kazo Hotels, respectively.
“Four suspects have been arrested in connection with the crime. In Eku Community, Ethiope East LGA, following credible intelligence, troops arrested one person in possession of a pump-action rifle,” the statement added.
In Bayelsa State, around Etelabu Forest in Yenagoa, troops raided a newly established illegal refining site and recovered over 1,000 litres of stolen crude.
He said: “Similarly, in Biseni, also in Yenagoa, troops intercepted a tricycle loaded with an unspecified quantity of illegally refined AGO, which was abandoned by the owner upon sighting the troops. Efforts are ongoing to track the source of the illicit supply.
“Around Clough Creek in Ekeremor LGA, while troops were closing in on an illegal refining site, they discovered that the access road had been blocked with logs and damaged wooden boats. Attempts to clear the route were met with resistance from armed oil thieves, who opened fire on the troops.
“The troops responded with superior firepower, forcing the criminals to flee and abandon the area. Two wooden boats were destroyed, and an unspecified quantity of stolen crude was appropriately handled.
“The ongoing crackdown has also intensified in Akwa Ibom State, with troops dominating the operational area and denying criminal elements the freedom to operate. This has significantly thwarted the activities of economic saboteurs in the state.”
General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Eric Emekah, commended the troops for their intensified efforts against illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalism.
Emekah urged the troops to continue denying economic saboteurs the freedom to operate by flushing them out to enable increased exploration activities in the Niger Delta.
Meanwhile, the GOC, 6 Division, paid an operational visit to the Imo River stretch to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of ongoing illegal activities in the area.
The visit, which took place on 15th February 2025, saw the GOC traverse the entire Imo River stretch through the waterways and deep into adjoining creeks and rivulets, leading to the discovery of several illegal refining sites.
The statement added: “Major General Emekah visited illegal bunkering hubs around Afam, Obeama, and Umuori Creek in Obigbo LGA, Rivers State, as well as Asa waterways in Abia State.
“These areas are notorious for illegal bunkering activities. During the visit, the GOC ordered the dismantling of all life-supporting structures and illegal refining sites in the identified locations.”
He instructed the troops to comb the entire stretch, including the adjoining forests, and ensure the complete destruction of all illegal refining sites.
