The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has recorded major successes in its renewed crackdown on oil theft and illegal refining activities across the Niger Delta, arresting 19 suspected oil thieves, dismantling 22 illegal refining sites and recovering more than 180,000 litres of stolen petroleum products valued at about ₦150 million.
The achievements followed an intensive, coordinated operation that lasted nearly one month and was carried out across four states in the region in collaboration with other security agencies. The operations were aimed at curbing oil theft, pipeline vandalism and other related economic crimes that have continued to undermine national revenue and damage critical infrastructure.
According to the Army, the sustained operations significantly restricted the movement and activities of criminal elements, as troops maintained a strong presence across land and waterways to deny oil thieves freedom of action. The military assured that the momentum would be sustained to further degrade illegal networks operating in the oil-rich region.
In Bayelsa State, troops deactivated several illegal refining sites in different locations. At Siebu Creek in Ogbienbiri, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, an illegal refining camp was uncovered, leading to the recovery of a large reservoir containing over 75,000 litres of stolen crude oil, as well as a pumping machine. Around Biseni in Yenagoa Local Government Area, multiple illegal refining sites were dismantled, with more than 17,000 litres of stolen petroleum products recovered.
At Okarki waterside in Ogbia Local Government Area, soldiers intercepted a large Cotonou boat concealed along the riverbank. The vessel was found loaded with 37 sacks containing about 2,775 litres of stolen crude oil. Additional operations in the state yielded further recoveries, highlighting the scale of illegal bunkering activities in the area.
In Rivers State, troops uncovered large quantities of stolen crude in several communities. In Ogale Community, Eleme Local Government Area, 350 sacks containing over 10,500 litres of stolen crude were discovered. At Okarki Forest in Ahoada West Local Government Area, two illegal refining sites were destroyed, with reservoirs and sacks holding more than 3,000 litres of crude oil recovered.
Another major operation took place in the Orashi Forest in Abua/Odual Local Government Area, where troops traced a hose spanning over nine kilometres. This led to the discovery of four illegal refining sites equipped with large ovens, receivers and dugout pits stocked with over 7,000 litres of crude oil. A pumping machine and five large reservoirs used for the illicit operation were also destroyed. In the same local government area, troops recovered 31 sacks containing over 2,300 litres of stolen crude concealed in the bush along a major road.
Additional seizures were made in parts of Okrika Local Government Area, Omerelu in Ikwerre Local Government Area and within the OML 18 Alakiri axis, resulting in the recovery of more than 6,000 litres of condensates.
In Delta State, troops intercepted a truck along the Asaba–Benin Expressway while it was discharging about 45,000 litres of diverted petroleum products into an illegal pit used for storing Premium Motor Spirit. Acting on credible intelligence, soldiers also raided an illegal bunkering location behind a religious camp in Sapele Local Government Area, where two suspects were arrested and over 2,600 litres of stolen crude recovered in 104 sacks.
Further operations in Ughelli South Local Government Area led to the interception of two vehicles conveying illegally refined condensates concealed in sacks and jerricans. About 1,475 litres of stolen products were recovered, and two suspects were arrested in connection with the crime.
In Akwa Ibom State, troops maintained visible patrols and operational presence, which resulted in the discovery of a warehouse in Ikot Ntuen Village, Abak Local Government Area, stocked with illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil. Twenty jerry cans filled with the stolen product were recovered from the location.
Commending the troops for their professionalism and resilience, the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, urged them to sustain the operational tempo against oil thieves and other economic saboteurs. He also appealed to residents of the Niger Delta to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information, stressing that the activities of criminal networks pose a serious threat to national assets and economic stability.
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