Soldiers Destroy illegal Refineries In Niger Delta

The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has announced the arrest of 39 suspected oil thieves and the destruction of 18 illegal refineries in the Niger Delta Region. The operation, which spanned six days, also led to the seizure of 60,000 liters of stolen oil. This crackdown on oil theft and related crimes was carried out in collaboration with other security agencies across three states in the region.

Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of the 6 Division Army Public Relations, provided details in a statement released on Monday in Port Harcourt.

The statement reads in part: “Troops from the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army apprehended 39 individuals suspected of oil theft and dismantled 18 illegal refining sites during the ongoing operation against crude oil theft and associated crimes in the Niger Delta. The operation, conducted from March 24 to 30, 2025, in collaboration with sister agencies, resulted in the confiscation of over 60,000 liters of stolen oil and other recovered items.

“In Rivers State, along Ochokocho Road in Etche Local Government Area, troops intercepted a fabricated twin tank containing 18,000 liters of stolen oil. Additionally, a MAN Diesel truck with registration number LXA 44 XA, hidden with bags of sawdust, was found to be transporting an unquantified amount of stolen oil. The suspects fled upon sighting the troops.

“In the Imo River area, anti-crude oil theft operations led to the removal of several illegal refining sites, including drum pots and receivers, with over 15,000 liters of stolen products recovered. In the Rumuekpe Forest in Ahoada East LGA, two illegal refining sites were dismantled, resulting in the seizure of more than 2,800 liters of stolen oil.

“Other successful operations occurred in Ebocha, Omoku in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, and Jelikri Creek in Degema LGA, where multiple illegal refining sites were destroyed, and equipment such as drum ovens, receivers, hoses, and metal pipes were seized.”

In Bayelsa State, the 6 Division’s operations also yielded positive results. “At Adibawa in Yenagoa LGA, two illegal refining sites were uncovered, containing drums and cooking ovens with over 8,000 liters of stolen crude. In Okighene, Southern Ijaw LGA, one illegal refining site was found, with over 1,500 liters of crude oil and 300 liters of illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO) seized,” the statement added.

In Delta State, operations continued to make progress. Troops in Egbokodo Itsekiri Community, Warri South LGA, seized several jerrycans of illegally refined AGO and destroyed several bags used for criminal activities. In Akwa Ibom State, troops dominated the operational area, preventing oil thieves from operating freely.

Major General Emmanue Emekah, General Officer Commanding the 6 Division, urged the troops to intensify their efforts against oil thieves and create a secure environment for lawful oil exploration activities. He also warned criminals to abandon illegal activities and seek legitimate means of livelihood or face the full force of the law.