Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division have intensified their offensive against oil theft, beginning with major operations in Rivers State where several illegal refining sites were dismantled and large quantities of stolen petroleum products recovered.
In Okolomade, Ahoada West Local Government Area, troops deactivated three illegal refining sites containing three big pots, four big receivers and three big coolants. The operation also led to the recovery of over 40,000 litres of stolen crude oil and 20,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO).
At the fringes of the Imo River in Oyigbo LGA, troops discovered three additional illegal refining sites. Items recovered from the sites—located around Asa, Obeakpo, Lekuma and Abiama—include eight drum pots, seven drum receivers, a fibre boat and more than 14,700 litres of stolen crude oil.
Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, said acting on credible intelligence, troops stormed a compound in Abuloma, Okrika LGA, where they found about 1,050 sacks filled with over 32,000 litres of stolen crude. In a related operation, troops intercepted a Cotonou boat at Abonnema Creek in Akuku-Toru LGA containing 25 sacks loaded with more than 1,000 litres of illegally refined AGO.
These operations formed part of broader anti-oil theft efforts conducted across the Niger Delta between November 10 and 23, 2025. In total, more than 109,000 litres of stolen products—including over 88,000 litres of crude oil and 21,355 litres of illegally refined AGO—were recovered. Four suspected oil thieves were also arrested, with the seized products valued at over ₦150 million.
In Akwa Ibom State, troops raided a suspected storage facility at Ikot Akpan, Ekparakwa in Abak LGA, recovering 520 litres of illegally refined AGO and several empty jerricans. In Delta State, troops stormed the DAEWOO yard in Ekpan, Uvwie LGA, forcing suspects to flee into nearby creeks. They recovered three 25-litre jerricans containing 75 litres of crude oil. Troops in Bayelsa State also continued to deny criminal elements freedom of action.
Commending the troops for their dedication, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, urged them to sustain the momentum. He called on residents of the region to continue supporting military efforts by providing credible intelligence on the activities of economic saboteurs.
