The Nigerian Army has intensified its crackdown on crude oil theft in the Niger Delta, leading to the arrest of 39 suspects and the destruction of 18 illegal refining sites across multiple states.
The operation, conducted by the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in collaboration with other security agencies, resulted in the seizure of over 60,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.
The six-day operation, which ran from March 24 to March 30, 2025, targeted oil theft and related crimes in the region.
Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, confirmed the development in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Monday.
“Troops of the 6 Division have dismantled illegal refining sites and arrested individuals involved in crude oil theft across the Joint Operations Area. The special operation, conducted in Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom states, led to the confiscation of significant quantities of stolen products and the destruction of equipment used in illegal refining,” Danjuma said.
In Rivers State, operatives intercepted a fabricated twin tank filled with 18,000 litres of stolen petroleum products along Ochokocho Road in Etche Local Government Area. Additionally, a MAN Diesel container truck, carrying stolen crude concealed in bags of sawdust, was seized after the suspects abandoned it upon sighting troops.
Troops also raided multiple illegal refining sites in the Imo River area, recovering 15,000 litres of stolen crude. In Rumuekpe Forest, Ahoada East LGA, security forces dismantled two illegal refineries and confiscated 2,800 litres of illicit products.
Other operations in Ebocha, Omoku (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA), and Jelikri Creek (Degema LGA) resulted in the destruction of refining equipment, including drum ovens, metal pipes, and hoses used for illicit activities.
In Bayelsa State, troops raided Adibawa in Yenagoa LGA, uncovering two illegal refining sites with drums and ovens containing over 8,000 litres of stolen crude.
At Okighene in Southern Ijaw LGA, another illegal refinery was dismantled, leading to the seizure of 1,500 litres of crude oil and 300 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil.
Operations also extended to Delta State, where security forces targeted illegal refining activities in Egbokodo Itsekiri, Warri South LGA. Multiple jerricans filled with AGO were confiscated, and cellophane bags used for transporting illicit fuel were destroyed.
In Akwa Ibom State, troops reportedly dominated key operational areas, limiting the movement and activities of oil thieves.
Major General Emmanue Emekah, General Officer Commanding 6 Division, urged the troops to maintain the pressure on oil thieves and ensure an environment conducive to legitimate oil exploration.
“We will not relent in our efforts to put an end to crude oil theft and its associated crimes. Those involved must either embrace lawful activities or be prepared to face the consequences,” Emekah warned.
The Nigerian Army has reiterated its commitment to eliminating illegal refining activities and ensuring the security of the nation’s oil resources.
