The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has successfully dismantled 13 illegal refining sites, recovered 300,000 litres of stolen crude oil, and apprehended 15 suspected oil thieves in a major operation targeting oil theft in the Niger Delta over the past week.
This was announced by the Acting Deputy Director of the 6 Division Army Public Relations, Jonah Danjuma, in a statement issued from Port Harcourt on Sunday.
The operation, conducted between January 20 and 26, 2025, spanned Rivers, Delta, Edo, and Akwa Ibom states.
The statement read, “Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, have significantly ramped up their efforts against oil theft, achieving notable successes across the joint operations area.”
“These successes included the dismantling of 13 illegal bunkering hubs, the destruction of four boats, the arrest of 15 oil thieves, the deactivation of over 150 locally made ovens, and the recovery of more than 300,000 litres of stolen crude oil.”
The operation, in collaboration with other security services, was carried out from January 20 to 26, 2025.
Operations Across States
The statement further detailed, “In Ugo Community, Orhiomwon LGA, Edo State, troops uncovered a vandalized site containing 252,000 litres of stolen crude oil. Further searches led to the recovery of a pumping machine, hoses, and pipes.”
“In Delta State, troops intercepted a red tanker truck with a 30,000-litre capacity, which was siphoning crude oil from a PAN Ocean Nigeria Limited pipeline in Ethiope West LGA. Over 15,000 litres had already been stolen when the truck was halted.”
“In Rivers State, along the Imo River corridor, more than 10,000 litres of stolen products were seized from Lekuma, Abiama, and Oyigbo. Troops also uncovered an active illegal refining site near the Owaza area, recovering a pump-action rifle after the perpetrators fled.”
“At Obiafu Oil Field in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, three illegal refining sites were dismantled, containing ten cooking drums, eight reservoirs, and two rolls of hose. Meanwhile, in Abalama Community, Asari-Toru LGA, over 1,500 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) were seized.”
“In Abacheke, ONELGA, four illegal refining sites were dismantled, containing 145 locally made oven drums and 5,700 litres of stolen AGO. Another 3,500 litres of stolen products were found in a hidden reservoir, and eight suspects were arrested.”
“Troops also raided an AGO storage facility in Ikot Abia, Ikot Ekpene LGA, Akwa Ibom State, recovering 30 polythene bags filled with stolen AGO and several empty jerricans.”
“In Isonogbene, Brass LGA, Bayelsa State, two illegal refining sites were dismantled, and over 5,000 litres of stolen crude oil were recovered.”
Commendation and Warning
The statement concluded with a remark from the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, who commended the troops for their relentless efforts in combating oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
“The days of criminal elements masquerading as economic saboteurs are numbered. They must either turn a new leaf and embrace legitimate means of livelihood or be ready to face the full force of the law,” Emekah warned.