Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division have arrested 62 suspected oil thieves and seized more than 350,000 litres of stolen petroleum products. The operation, carried out over four days, targeted oil theft and pipeline vandalism in Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom States.
According to Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, the Army worked in close collaboration with other security agencies. During the mission, soldiers dismantled several illegal refining sites and disrupted multiple criminal supply chains.
Rivers State: The Epicenter of Activity
In Rivers State, soldiers stormed Joinkrama 4 in Ahoada West LGA. There, they uncovered and dismantled six illegal refining sites near an abandoned wellhead. Troops recovered six large ovens and several reservoirs containing roughly 300,000 litres of stolen crude and 21,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). They also seized a generator, welding machine, and shovels used for illegal operations.
Meanwhile, in Obiafor, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, soldiers found three dug-out pits. Two were filled with over 5,700 litres of stolen crude, while the third held unquantified AGO. Additionally, they intercepted two boats carrying ten sacks of stolen condensate at the riverside.
Elsewhere in Rivers, at Elele Town in Ikwerre LGA, soldiers intercepted a Sienna vehicle. It carried 32 sacks loaded with about 1,920 litres of stolen AGO. They also found an illegal connection point nearby. The team recovered over 1,200 litres of condensate, three hoses measuring 150 metres each, eight metal drums, and several ovens used for refining.
Bayelsa and Delta: Operations Widen
In Bayelsa’s Biseni area of Yenagoa LGA, troops shut down four illegal refining sites. They confiscated more than 10,000 litres of stolen AGO and dismantled five crude oil distillation ovens. Soldiers have since expanded surveillance across creeks and rivulets to track down fleeing suspects.
Likewise, in Delta State’s Sapele LGA, troops responded to a tip-off and moved swiftly. They arrested two suspects caught with two boats filled with over 1,500 litres of illegally refined AGO in 30 cellophane bags.
Akwa Ibom: Tightened Security Presence
In Akwa Ibom, troops maintained tight control over the area. Their continued presence has limited the movement of criminal elements and prevented further sabotage attempts.
Army Command Reaffirms Commitment
Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Emekah, the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, praised the troops for their operational success. He encouraged them to maintain pressure on oil thieves and sustain the current momentum.
“We must continue to deny these criminals any room to operate,” Emekah said. “Our mission is clear — protect Nigeria’s oil assets and restore order.”
This latest crackdown underscores the Army’s renewed commitment to eradicating oil theft in the Niger Delta. By dismantling illegal refineries and arresting perpetrators, the military continues to send a strong message: economic sabotage will not go unpunished.