Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in a joint operation with other security agencies, have confiscated 70,000 litres of stolen products were also as part of efforts to curb oil theft and illegal refining in the Niger Delta
Between January 27 and February 2, 2025, the troops destroyed 12 illegal refining sites, arrested 16 suspected oil thieves, demobilized six boats, and intercepted nine vandalized pipelines.
These were disclosed in a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division, Army Public Relations. He emphasized the military’s commitment to sustaining operations and ensuring a secure environment for legitimate economic activities.
The statement explained that during operations in Rivers State, troops intercepted two suction trucks, each carrying 12,000 litres of stolen crude, along the Igwuruta-Airport Road in Ikwerre Local Government Area.
Further intelligence led to the discovery of a storage facility in a scrap yard along the same route, where over 10,000 litres of stolen products were seized. In addition, clearance operations around the Imo River resulted in the destruction of three illegal refining sites, 43 cooking drum pots, 23 receivers, and three fibre boats.
Troops also recovered over 4,000 litres of stolen products in Obigbo, Oyigbo, and Ukwa areas, as well as a locally fabricated double-barrel gun abandoned by fleeing oil thieves.
It further disclosed that In Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA), troops dismantled four illegal refining sites and destroyed 86 locally made ovens. A dugout pit containing over 7,200 litres of stolen crude and 2,700 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) was discovered.
Along the Ndoni waterside, security forces found 102 sacks filled with over 5,100 litres of stolen AGO and Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). Similarly, at Agah, 35 sacks containing more than 2,100 litres of illegally refined AGO were confiscated, while two suspects were apprehended in Omoku with 14 sacks of condensates stored in their homes.
According to the statement, Operations in Delta State also led to the interception of a locally constructed wooden boat abandoned in the Ashaka Okpai community water channel, containing over 3,160 litres of stolen crude.
Eight sacks of condensates were also discovered along the Oando pipeline near Tuomo village in Bomadi. In Bayelsa State, a suspected oil thief was arrested in Sagbama Local Government Area with over 1,100 litres of illegally refined AGO.
“Troops have continued to dominate the creeks and waterways in Akwa Ibom State to deny criminal elements freedom of action,” the statement reads
Commending the troops, as contained in the statement, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, urged the Troops to maintain professionalism and intensify operations.
“I charge you to upscale the operational tempo in ensuring a conducive environment for increased exploration activities is created,” he said.
He further encouraged them to “remain professional and disciplined in discharging their duties”.
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