Troops of the 6 Division Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, have arrested at least 38 suspected oil thieves, deactivated no fewer than 28 illegal refining sites, and recovered more than 700,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.
A statement by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Danjuma stated that the operations occurred in various states of the Niger Delta between May 12 and 18, 2025.
Danjuma said the operations resulted to the destruction of several locally made boats used for illegal bunkering activities.
According to him, in Rivers State, troops carried out targeted operations around Okolomade, Orashi, and Ozochi Forests, where an illegal connection was found directly on a wellhead at Ozochi Forest.
He added that follow-up raids led to the discovery of over 200 sacks of illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil, AGO, 300,000 litres of stolen crude in cooking ovens, and an additional 300,000 litres of stolen AGO.
“Six cooking ovens of 100,000 litres capacity each, four reservoirs, six receivers, pumping machines, and generators were seized. Three suspects have been taken into custody in connection with these crimes,” he stated.
In the Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, a truck loaded with over 45,000 litres of stolen AGO was intercepted at Alode junction, based on credible intelligence.
The Division spokesman stated that additional raids at Obiafor Forest resulted in the arrest of five suspected oil thieves operating a new illegal bunkering site, alongside the seizure of a reservoir containing over 25,000 litres of stolen crude oil.
Danjuma reiterated that the troops also demobilised a wooden boat loaded with over 10,000 litres of stolen crude oil hidden in the creeks at the Olughighi area.
Operations along the Imo River led to the deactivation of seven illegal refining sites, with the seizure of 31 drum pots, 10 drum receivers, 38 sacks, and over 7,000 litres of stolen products.
According to him, a sting operation at Amahausa Community in Ahoada East LGA recovered over 50 sacks of illegally refined crude oil, estimated at 2,500 litres.
The Army, away from Rivers State, also deactivated illegal refining sites in Biseni, Yenagoa LGA, and Isonogbene Creek, Southern Ijaw LGA of Rivers State, recovering over 3,500 litres of stolen products in total.
It intercepted crude oil in Ughoton Creeks, Warri South LGA, dismantling three artisanal refineries, and arrested a truck driver at Wellhead 3 Olomoro Flow Station in Isoko South LGA.
In Akwa Ibom State, along Abak–Ikot Abasi road, the troops intercepted a mini-bus loaded with 1,170 litres of illegally refined AGO, arresting the driver, who is said to be assisting investigations.
The General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, following the feat, hailed the troops for their operational successes and urged them to scale up the momentum as the operations progress.
He reassured that the welfare of the troops remained a top priority.
