Between February 17 and 23, 2025, troops from the 6th Division of the Nigerian Army carried out a major operation against oil theft in the Niger Delta, resulting in the dismantling of 18 illegal refining sites and the arrest of 17 suspected oil thieves. The operation led to the recovery of over 25,000 litres of stolen crude oil and the destruction of 10 boats used in illegal activities.
Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah, Acting Deputy Director of the 6th Division Army, reported that the operation was particularly successful in Rivers State, where significant gains were made in the Kilometre 45 and Idama areas of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area. Two active illegal refining sites were destroyed, and three wooden boats loaded with over 9,000 litres of stolen crude oil were intercepted. Additionally, a truck carrying more than 3,000 litres of stolen crude was seized at Ogale Junction along the Eket-Port Harcourt Expressway.
In the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, troops uncovered an illegal oil bunkering dump in Okwuzi, where over 2,100 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO) were seized, stored in sacks. A wooden boat carrying over 1,000 litres of stolen crude was also intercepted at Ogaji-Ama in Bukuma, although the suspects managed to flee upon sighting the troops.
Further operations in the region led to the destruction of two illegal refining sites, 23 drum pots, and 14 drum receivers along Imo River, alongside the confiscation of more than 2,000 litres of stolen crude oil.
In Bayelsa State, the troops dismantled three illegal refining sites at Clough Creek in Ekeremor Local Government Area, recovering a pumping machine, over 3,500 litres of crude oil, and two wooden boats. Another operation in Biseni, Yenagoa Local Government Area, resulted in the deactivation of an illegal refining site and the recovery of over 2,000 litres of stolen crude oil.
In Delta State, troops intercepted a Toyota Camry, registered in Anambra (JJT 876 AE), which was carrying 16 cellophane bags of illegally refined AGO at Oton Village, Sapele Local Government Area. Six suspects were arrested in a follow-up operation. Another operation along the Ughelli-Patani Expressway led to the interception of a tricycle carrying sacks of illegally refined products.
The General Officer Commanding the 6th Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, commended the troops for their successful operations and urged them to maintain their operational momentum. He emphasized the importance of continued pressure on economic saboteurs to prevent them from further exploiting the region’s resources.
