The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has arrested 39 suspected oil thieves and dismantled 18 illegal refineries in a six-day special operation targeting crude oil theft in the Niger Delta.
During the crackdown, which took place across three states in collaboration with other security agencies, troops also seized over 60,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.
The Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Monday.
“Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army have arrested 39 suspected oil thieves and dismantled 18 illegal refining sites in the ongoing crackdown against crude oil theft as well as other associated crimes conducted in the Niger Delta Region. This was from 24th to 30th March 2025,” the statement read.
Danjuma explained that in Rivers State, operations along Ochokocho Road in Etche Local Government Area led to the interception of an inbuilt fabricated twin tank containing 18,000 litres of stolen products.
A MAN Diesel container truck with registration number LXA 44 XA, which had been concealed with bags of sawdust to transport an unquantified quantity of stolen crude, was also seized after the suspects fled upon sighting the troops.
He added, “Along the Imo River, the anti-crude oil theft operations led to the dismantling of several illegal refining sites, drum pots, and receivers, with over 15,000 litres of stolen products recovered. Similarly, in Rumuekpe Forest, Ahoada East LGA, two illegal refining sites with over 2,800 litres of stolen products were shut down.”
Troops also made significant discoveries in Ebocha and Omoku in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, as well as Jelikri Creek in Degema LGA, where multiple illegal refining sites were dismantled. Drum ovens, receivers, hoses, and metal pipes used in the illicit trade were destroyed.
In Bayelsa State, similar operations were carried out around Adibawa in Yenagoa LGA, where two illegal refining sites containing cooking ovens and over 8,000 litres of stolen crude in drums and sacks were uncovered. Another operation in Okighene, Southern Ijaw LGA, led to the recovery of 1,500 litres of crude oil and 300 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO).
Danjuma further stated that the operation extended to Delta State, where troops raided an illegal refining site in Egbokodo Itsekiri Community, Warri South LGA, confiscating several jerricans filled with illegally refined AGO and destroying cellophane bags used for crude oil theft.
“In Akwa Ibom State, troops have dominated the operational landscape, making it impossible for the criminals to have freedom of action,” he added.
The General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanue Emekah, has charged troops to sustain the momentum in the fight against crude oil theft and ensure an enabling environment for legitimate exploration activities.
Emekah also warned individuals involved in oil theft to turn a new leaf and engage in lawful means of livelihood or risk facing the full wrath of the law.
