The Division 6 of the Nigerian Army has successfully dismantled 13 illegal refining sites, arrested 15 suspected oil thieves, and recovered 300,000 litres of stolen crude oil in a major operation targeting oil theft in the Niger Delta.
The operation, which took place from January 20 to January 26, 2025, covered several states, including Rivers, Delta, Edo, and Akwa Ibom.
According to the statement from the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Jonah Danjuma, the operation resulted in significant gains against oil thieves.
In addition to dismantling the illegal refining sites, the army confiscated over 150 locally made ovens and four boats used for illegal bunkering activities.
Troops also seized over 15,000 litres of stolen crude oil and demobilised various illegal refining equipment, including hoses, pumps, and pipes.
The operation also yielded notable results across several states in the region.
In Edo State, troops uncovered a vandalised pipeline point in Ugo Community, which contained 252,000 litres of stolen crude oil.
The troops also discovered a pumping machine and various equipment used in the illegal operation.
In Delta State, the army intercepted a red tanker truck carrying 30,000 litres of stolen crude oil, which had already siphoned 15,000 litres from a PAN Ocean Nigeria Limited pipeline before it was stopped.
In Rivers State, along the Imo River corridor, over 10,000 litres of stolen crude oil were seized from various illegal refining sites.
The army also uncovered another active illegal refinery near the Owaza area, recovering a pump-action rifle from fleeing criminals.
In the Obiafu Oil Field in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, three illegal refining sites were dismantled, and over 1,500 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) were seized.
Further operations in Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa states led to the discovery of additional illegal refining sites. In Akwa Ibom, troops dismantled a storage facility at Ikot Abia and recovered 30 polythene bags filled with stolen AGO.
Meanwhile, in Bayelsa, two illegal refining sites were dismantled, and more than 5,000 litres of stolen crude oil were recovered.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, commended the troops for their outstanding efforts in combating oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
He stressed that the days of criminals exploiting the nation’s resources for personal gain were numbered and issued a stern warning: “Criminal elements masquerading as economic saboteurs must either turn a new leaf and embrace legitimate means of livelihood or be prepared to face a renewed onslaught.”
The operation is part of the ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Army to curb the growing menace of oil theft in the Niger Delta, which has been a major source of economic sabotage for the country.
The Army has vowed to continue its efforts to ensure the protection of Nigeria’s oil resources, enhance security in the region, and prevent the illegal activities that have been contributing to the country’s economic challenges.
