In a renewed drive to stamp out oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and other related crimes in the Niger Delta Region (NDR), troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, have intensified both kinetic and non-kinetic operations across the region, yielding remarkable results.
According to a statement by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the operations—conducted in synergy with other security agencies between 21 September and 5 October 2025—led to the deactivation of eight illegal refining sites, the arrest of several suspected oil thieves, and the recovery of over 18,000 litres of stolen crude oil.
In Rivers State, troops dismantled a newly constructed illegal refining site at Joinkrama 4 in Ahoada West Local Government Area, where they destroyed receivers, ovens, drums, pipes, and recovered over 3,500 litres of stolen crude. Acting on credible intelligence, troops also intercepted a red Mercedes-Benz vacuum truck with registration number AHD 925 XA, loaded with about 3,200 litres of stolen crude along Aba Road in Oyigbo LGA. The driver abandoned the vehicle and fled upon sighting the troops.
Similarly, clearance operations along the fringes of the Imo River led to the discovery and destruction of another illegal refining site containing three drum pots, two drum receivers, and over 2,000 litres of crude oil stockpiled in sacks. Additional seizures were made at Odogwa in Etche LGA, Obeama Uzomiri Waterside in Oyigbo LGA, and Obiafor Oil Field in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA.
In Akwa Ibom State, troops intercepted two Toyota Camry vehicles—registration numbers ANA 495 CK and AKD 233 EQ—loaded with 120 nylon bags containing over 3,600 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) along Ikot Okoro, Abak LGA. Two suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures.
Meanwhile, in Bayelsa State, troops uncovered an abandoned site at House No. 70, Biseni Community, along Kemezia Road, Yenagoa LGA, where over 950 litres of stolen petroleum products were recovered.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, commended the troops for their sustained efforts and professionalism. He urged criminal elements in the region to desist from acts of economic sabotage and embrace legitimate means of livelihood, reaffirming the Division’s resolve to maintain “green forests and blue waters” in the Niger Delta through a zero-tolerance approach to oil theft and related crimes.
Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma reaffirmed that the Nigerian Army remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring a safer environment conducive for socio-economic development in the Niger Delta Region.
