In a sustained offensive against oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta Region (NDR), troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, have intensified operations to dismantle illegal refining sites and disrupt criminal supply networks.
According to Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Division, Lt Col Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the operations conducted between 14 and 20 July 2025 across Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom states led to the arrest of 62 suspected economic saboteurs and the deactivation of 14 illegal refining sites. Troops also seized five boats and confiscated over 350,000 litres of stolen petroleum products during the coordinated efforts.
Key Highlights:
Rivers State:
In Joinkrama 4, Ahoada West Local Government Area (LGA), troops shut down six illegal refining sites around an abandoned wellhead. The sites contained six large ovens, reservoirs, and receivers storing approximately 300,000 litres of stolen crude oil and 21,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). Additional equipment recovered included a generator set, a welding machine, and several shovels.
In Obiafor, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA (ONELGA), several illegal refining sites were also dismantled. Troops discovered three dug-out pits — two filled with over 5,700 litres of stolen crude oil and another containing an unquantified volume of AGO.
Two boats transporting ten sacks of condensates were intercepted at a riverside location, while a Sienna vehicle carrying 32 sacks with over 1,920 litres of stolen AGO was stopped in Elele Town, Ikwerre LGA.
An illegal connection point and a pit holding over 1,200 litres of condensates were also uncovered, alongside recovery of three 150-meter-long hoses, eight metal drums, and multiple ovens used for refining.
Bayelsa State:
At Biseni in Yenagoa LGA, troops deactivated four illegal refining sites and four dug-out pits. Over 10,000 litres of stolen AGO were seized, and five cooking ovens were dismantled. Security forces continue combing the surrounding creeks to eliminate remaining criminal infrastructure.
Delta State:
Following intelligence reports, troops launched a targeted operation from Javel Sharp Sand Waterside to Gana Road in Sapele LGA. Two suspected oil thieves were arrested, and two boats carrying 30 cellophane bags with over 1,500 litres of illegally refined AGO were confiscated.
Akwa Ibom State:
Troops maintained a strong presence across operational zones, effectively denying oil thieves freedom of movement and operational capacity.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, commended the troops for their professionalism and effectiveness. He urged them to maintain the operational momentum and ensure that criminal elements are denied the space to operate in the region.
These operations underscore the Nigerian Army's continued commitment to securing national assets and curbing economic sabotage in the Niger Delta.