In a decisive crackdown on illegal oil activities, troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in collaboration with sister security agencies, have dismantled 19 artisanal refineries and arrested 13 suspects across the Niger Delta.
The operation, carried out between March 17 and 23, 2025, also led to the recovery of over 138,000 litres of stolen crude and refined petroleum products, according to the Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah.
Major Seizures and Arrests
In Rivers State, troops intercepted a tanker carrying 60,000 litres of stolen crude along the Apajo–Iwoji–Iwofe road in Obio Akpor Local Government Area. The driver, upon sighting security forces, abandoned the truck and fled. A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered multiple plate numbers, indicating possible links to a larger oil theft network.
A clearance operation along the fringes of the Imo River led to the deactivation of several illegal refining sites, where 64 drum pots, 15 drum receivers, and 4,500 litres of stolen products were seized. At Kumufari Creek in Degema LGA, troops discovered an abandoned oven and 40 sacks filled with over 1,200 litres of stolen crude.
In Bonny Island’s Okotokolomabia/Okoloma Lounge area, security forces raided another illegal refining site, forcing suspected oil thieves to flee and abandon their equipment. Items recovered included a 6 KVA generator, welding machines, drilling tools, bolts, and nuts.
Operations extended to Bayelsa and Delta states, where troops dismantled seven illegal bunkering camps in Joinkrama 4 and Biseni areas, recovering over 25,000 litres of stolen crude and 850 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil. A wooden boat and wheelbarrows used for transportation were also seized.
In Delta State, troops intercepted an open truck with an inbuilt iron tank containing over 20,000 litres of stolen crude near the NNPC/Chevron/Seplat pipeline. Another truck was positioned nearby, awaiting loading.
Akwa Ibom State was not spared, as security operatives intercepted a Toyota Avalon loaded with 1,620 litres of stolen petroleum products in 54 cellophane bags along the Iko-Okorete road in Eastern Obolo LGA. Two suspects were arrested in connection with the smuggling attempt.
Army Vows to Sustain the Offensive
All arrested suspects have been handed over to relevant agencies for prosecution, while confiscated items were disposed of following operational protocols.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, has ordered troops to intensify operations against oil theft and ensure that criminals operating in the region are denied freedom of action.
With security forces stepping up their offensive, authorities say the crackdown will continue until illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta are completely eradicated.
