The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has dismantled 12 illegal refining sites, arrested 16 suspects, and recovered approximately 70,000 litres of stolen petroleum products in the Niger Delta region.
Additionally, the Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, demobilised six boats and intercepted nine vandalised pipelines during a week-long operation spanning Rivers and three other states in the region.
Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, disclosed these developments in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Sunday evening.
Danjuma said, “Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, while consolidating operational gains, have dismantled 12 illegal refining sites, arrested 16 suspected oil thieves, demobilised six boats, intercepted nine vandalised pipelines, and confiscated over 70,000 litres of stolen petroleum products across the joint operations area.”
He said the operations, conducted between January 27 and February 2, 2025, saw significant success, particularly in Rivers State, where troops intercepted two fully loaded suction trucks carrying 12,000 litres of stolen crude each along the Igwurita-Airport Road in Ikwerre Local Government Area.
He said, “Acting on credible intelligence, troops uncovered a large storage facility in a scrap yard along the same road, seizing over 10,000 litres of stolen products stored in multiple tanks.
“Further clearance operations around the Imo River led to the destruction of three illegal refining sites, 43 cooking drum pots, 23 receivers, and three fibre boats, along with the confiscation of over 4,000 litres of stolen petroleum products. Troops also recovered a locally fabricated double-barrel gun, believed to have been abandoned by fleeing oil thieves.
“Similarly, operations around Mgbede Community in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area resulted in the deactivation of four illegal refining sites and the destruction of 86 locally made ovens.
“Additionally, troops discovered a dugout pit containing over 7,200 litres of stolen crude oil and 2,700 litres of Automotive Gas Oil.
“At Ndoni Waterside in ONELGA, troops intercepted over 102 sacks containing approximately 5,100 litres of stolen AGO and Premium Motor Spirit. Another 35 sacks filled with 2,100 litres of illegally refined AGO were confiscated at Agah, while two oil thieves were apprehended in Omoku with 14 sacks of condensates stored in their residence.”
Danjuma added that in Delta State, troops intercepted an abandoned wooden boat containing over 3,160 litres of stolen crude oil within the Ashaka Okpai community water channel, leading to the River Niger in the Ndokwa East Local Government Area.
Similarly, eight sacks of unquantified condensates were seized along the Oando pipeline near Tuomo village in Bomadi.
“In Bayelsa State, a suspected oil thief was arrested in the Sagbama Local Government Area with over 1,100 litres of illegally refined AGO. Meanwhile, in Akwa Ibom State, troops continued their surveillance of creeks, rivulets, and waterways to prevent criminal activities.
“The suspects have been positively identified and handed over to the appropriate prosecuting agencies,” Danjuma said.
Commending the troops for their successes, the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Emekah, urged them to sustain their operational tempo to create a conducive environment for legitimate exploration activities.
He also emphasised the importance of professionalism and discipline in executing their duties.