Troops of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, working in collaboration with other security agencies, have intensified their crackdown on oil theft in the Niger Delta region, recording significant successes in recent operations.
Public Relations Officer, Lieutenant Jonah Danjuma disclosed this in a statement.
According to him, Between 20 October and 9 November 2025, military operations led to the dismantling of fourteen illegal refining hubs, the arrest of fourteen suspected oil thieves, and the seizure of over 20,205 litres of stolen petroleum products across the region.
In Rivers State, along the fringes of the Imo River, troops deactivated six illegal refining sites, destroyed fourteen drum pots and nine drum receivers, and confiscated over 8,000 litres of stolen products. Recoveries were made in Asa, Okonta, and Okoloma in Oyigbo LGA of Rivers State, and Obuzor in Ukwa West LGA of Abia State. Additionally, 42 sacks containing over 1,250 litres of stolen crude oil were seized around the abandoned Wellhead 3 near the remote manifold axis. Operations also yielded recoveries in Ozochi Community, Ahoada East LGA, and Angalama Community, Asari-Toru LGA.
In Delta State, troops arrested three suspected oil thieves around Eruemukohwarien in Ughelli North LGA, impounding a J5 bus and a motorcycle while recovering over 4,000 litres of condensate. At Bipoko Community in Warri South LGA, an active illegal refining site was discovered, including a cooking oven and 38 sacks containing over 1,140 litres of stolen crude oil.
In Akwa Ibom State, actionable intelligence led troops to intercept a truck transloading Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) from an underground storage facility at Olive Field Filling Station along the Uyo–Ikot Ekpene Road in Ikot Ekpene LGA. The truck was carrying over 3,287 litres of illegally refined AGO. Troops also maintained operations in Bayelsa State to curb economic sabotage. All suspects and confiscated products were processed in line with existing operational protocols.
Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Nigerian Army, commended the troops for their achievements and urged them to sustain the operational momentum in the fight against criminals.
