Troops from the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division have successfully dismantled 21 illegal refineries, arrested 36 individuals, and seized 591,000 liters of stolen products in the Niger Delta.
This operation, which took place from April 28 to May 11, 2025, was carried out in collaboration with various security agencies across Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Delta states.
The efforts are part of the ongoing crackdown on oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the region.
According to a statement by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, the operation yielded notable successes. In Rivers State, troops uncovered and traced a 15-kilometer hose linked to an illegal loading point at the Orashi Game Reserve/Okolomade area in Abua/Odual Local Government Area.
This led to the destruction of five illegal refineries and the seizure of over 350,000 liters of refined Automotive Gasoline Oil.
Additionally, over 100,000 liters of stolen crude were destroyed, along with several equipment, including pumping machines and electric cables.
The troops also targeted illegal refineries along the Imo River, where seven refining sites were destroyed, and they seized 1,428 bags of stolen crude, amounting to over 21,500 liters. They also demobilized five boats used in the illegal operations.
Further operations in Rivers State led to the interception of a truck loaded with 20,000 liters of stolen products at Elelenwa, Eleme Local Government Area.
In Bonny, a boat with over 10,000 liters of stolen products was discovered in the creeks following local intelligence.
In Bayelsa, troops seized a tanker carrying 45,000 liters of stolen Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and arrested three suspects.
In Akwa Ibom, they intercepted a tanker suspected to be transporting over 16,500 liters of stolen crude, but the driver fled the scene upon sighting the troops.
In Delta State, troops confiscated over 1,250 liters of illegally refined AGO from two vehicles and discovered 1,175 liters of stolen crude hidden in the bush.
The military also conducted snap checks, uncovering firearms and ammunition in some vehicles.
All suspects were handed over to the relevant authorities for prosecution, and the recovered items were dealt with according to operational procedures.
Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Emekah, the General Officer Commanding the 6 Division, has continued his operational visits to various locations across the Niger Delta to boost troops’ morale and strengthen efforts to tackle economic sabotage and criminal activities in the region.