The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has dismantled 18 illegal refining sites and arrested 17 suspects involved in crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region. In a week-long operation from February 17 to 23, 2025, the Army also destroyed ten boats used for illicit activities and recovered over 25,000 litres of stolen petroleum products across Rivers, Bayelsa, and Delta states.

Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, disclosed these developments in a statement on Sunday in Port Harcourt. He reaffirmed that the Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, remains committed to curbing oil theft and denying criminals the freedom to operate.

Operations in Rivers State
In Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, troops dismantled two active illegal refining sites and intercepted three wooden boats carrying over 9,000 litres of stolen crude oil. At Ogale Junction along the Eket-Port Harcourt expressway, a truck loaded with 3,000 litres of stolen crude was seized. Additionally, at Okwuzi in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, security forces discovered an illegal oil bunkering dump containing over 2,100 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), but the suspected thieves fled upon sighting troops.

Further operations at the Ogaji-Ama axis in Bukuma led to the interception of a wooden boat carrying over 1,000 litres of stolen crude. At Imo River, two illegal refining sites were destroyed, along with 23 drum pots and 14 drum receivers, while 2,000 litres of stolen crude were confiscated.

Operations in Bayelsa State
Troops raided three illegal refining sites at Clough Creek in Ekeremor LGA, seizing over 3,500 litres of crude oil and demobilizing two wooden boats. Another raid at Biseni in Yenagoa LGA led to the deactivation of an illegal refining site and the recovery of 2,000 litres of stolen crude.

Operations in Delta State
Security forces intercepted a Toyota Camry with registration number Anambra JJT 876 AE at Oton Village in Sapele LGA, which was carrying 16 cellophane bags filled with illegally refined AGO. In a follow-up operation, six suspects were arrested. Along the Ughelli-Patani expressway, troops also seized a tricycle transporting multiple sacks of illegally refined petroleum products.

General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Emekah, praised the troops for their efforts and urged them to maintain the momentum to prevent economic sabotage in the region.