The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has intensified its crackdown on illegal oil refining and theft, dismantling 18 illicit refining sites, destroying 10 boats used for oil bunkering, and arresting 17 suspects across the Niger Delta region. The operation, carried out in collaboration with other security agencies, also led to the recovery of over 25,000 litres of stolen crude oil and illegally refined products in Rivers, Bayelsa, and Delta states.
Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, confirmed the development in a statement issued in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Sunday. He emphasized the military’s resolve to sustain efforts in tackling oil theft and economic sabotage, stressing that the troops are determined to deny criminal elements freedom of action in the region.
According to Danjuma, between February 17 and 23, troops executed multiple operations that resulted in significant successes. In Rivers State, at Kilometre 45, Idama in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, the army destroyed two active illegal refining sites and intercepted three wooden boats carrying over 9,000 litres of stolen crude. Another interception was made at Ogale Junction along the Eket-Port Harcourt expressway, where a truck loaded with more than 3,000 litres of stolen crude was seized. In Okwuzi, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, troops uncovered an illegal bunkering dump storing over 2,100 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO), though the suspects fled upon sighting the soldiers.
Further clearance operations at Imo River led to the destruction of two illegal refining sites, along with 23 drum pots and 14 drum receivers used for crude oil processing. More than 2,000 litres of stolen crude oil were recovered from the location. Another major interception occurred at the Ogaji-Ama axis in Bukuma, where a wooden boat containing over 1,000 litres of stolen crude was seized within the creeks.
In Bayelsa State, troops dismantled three illegal refining sites at Clough Creek in Ekeremor Local Government Area, recovering a pumping machine and over 3,500 litres of crude oil while neutralizing two wooden boats used for transportation. A separate operation in Biseni, Yenagoa Local Government Area, led to the deactivation of another illegal refining site and the seizure of more than 2,000 litres of stolen crude.
The army’s efforts also extended to Delta State, where troops intercepted a Toyota Camry with registration number Anambra JJT 876 AE at Oton Village in Sapele Local Government Area. The vehicle was found to be transporting 16 cellophane bags containing an unspecified quantity of illegally refined AGO. Following further intelligence gathering, six suspected oil thieves were apprehended. Along the Ughelli-Patani expressway, troops also intercepted a tricycle carrying multiple sacks of illegally refined petroleum products.
Commending the troops for their commitment to securing the nation’s resources, the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, urged them to sustain their momentum in the fight against economic sabotage. He reiterated the Nigerian Army’s unwavering dedication to combating oil theft and ensuring that criminal networks engaged in illegal refining operations are dismantled.
The army’s latest operation underscores the federal government’s continued crackdown on crude oil theft, a menace that has cost the country billions of naira in lost revenue. Security forces have vowed to maintain pressure on criminal syndicates exploiting the region’s oil resources, warning that those caught will face the full wrath of the law.
