In a decisive operation against crude oil theft, troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, have arrested 39 suspected oil thieves and dismantled 18 illegal refining sites across the Niger Delta region. The operation, conducted between March 24 and 30, 2025, was carried out in collaboration with sister security agencies, according to a statement by the Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma.
The security forces also seized over 60,000 litres of stolen petroleum products and destroyed sophisticated illegal refining infrastructure. In Rivers State, troops intercepted an inbuilt fabricated twin tank containing 18,000 litres of stolen crude along Ochokocho Road in Etche Local Government Area. Additionally, a MAN Diesel container truck with registration number LXA 44 XA was seized while attempting to smuggle stolen petroleum products concealed in bags of sawdust. The suspects abandoned the vehicle and fled upon sighting security forces.
Further operations along the Imo River led to the dismantling of several illegal refining sites, with over 15,000 litres of stolen products recovered. The crackdown extended to Rumuekpe Forest in Ahoada East LGA, where two refining sites were destroyed, and 2,800 litres of stolen crude oil were confiscated. Similar operations took place in Ebocha, Omoku (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA), and Jelikri Creek in Degema Local Government Area, where illegal refining equipment, including drum ovens, hoses, and metal pipes, were destroyed.
Significant breakthroughs were also recorded in Bayelsa State, particularly in Yenagoa LGA, where troops dismantled two illegal refining sites containing over 8,000 litres of stolen crude in drums and sacks. In Southern Ijaw LGA, security forces uncovered another illegal operation, recovering 1,500 litres of crude oil and 300 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to stamping out crude oil theft and related crimes in the Niger Delta, warning criminal elements that they will continue to face the full weight of the law. The military’s intensified crackdown aims to protect the nation’s economic resources and curb environmental degradation caused by illegal refining activities.