Troops arrest 12 suspects, dismantle 18 boats used for oil theft across four states.
The Nigerian Army’s 6 Division has intensified its crackdown on illegal oil activities in the Niger Delta, leading to the destruction of 25 illicit refineries, the seizure of 95,000 litres of stolen crude oil, and the arrest of 12 suspected oil thieves. The operations, conducted in collaboration with other security agencies, also resulted in the dismantling of 18 boats used for oil theft across four states in the region.
In a determined effort to combat oil theft and illegal refining in the Niger Delta, the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has executed a series of coordinated operations, leading to significant successes. Between 10th and 16th February 2025, troops, in collaboration with sister security agencies, dismantled 25 illegal refining sites and seized over 95,000 litres of stolen crude oil. Additionally, 12 individuals suspected of involvement in oil theft were apprehended, and 18 boats used for illicit activities were destroyed.
In Rivers State, vigilant troops on a night patrol intercepted a 45,000-litre capacity DAF truck with multiple plate numbers attempting to siphon crude oil along the Trans Niger Pipeline’s 36-inch route. The culprits fled upon sighting the soldiers, abandoning the truck. Further operations in Etche Local Government Area led to the capture of two wooden boats carrying over 20,000 litres of stolen crude along the Odagwa–Imo River stretch. Around Ndoni in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, three illegal bunkering sites containing over 3,420 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) were uncovered, resulting in the arrest of two suspects.
Acting on a tip-off about illicit activities near Karakarma in Degema LGA, troops intercepted three wooden boats loaded with over 3,200 litres of stolen crude. Additional seizures were made in Kumufari and Ogbonma forests in Buguma, Asari-Toru LGA, and Okobhio Forest in Degema LGA. Operations along the Imo River led to the deactivation of 19 illegal refining sites, the destruction of 51 drum pots and 34 drum receivers, and the recovery of over 4,000 litres of stolen crude.
In Delta State, operations in the Benneth Island area of Warri South West LGA resulted in the dismantling of three active illegal refining sites and the confiscation of over 6,300 litres of stolen crude. Similar actions in the Omadino area of Warri South led to the recovery of over 5,400 litres of illegally refined AGO. In Aladja, Udu LGA, troops seized illicit AGO stored within the premises of local hotels, leading to the arrest of four suspects. In Eku Community, Ethiope East LGA, one individual was arrested in possession of a pump-action rifle.
Bayelsa State operations saw troops raiding a newly established illegal refining site in Etelabu Forest, Yenagoa, recovering over 1,000 litres of stolen crude. In Biseni, also in Yenagoa, a tricycle loaded with an unspecified quantity of illegally refined AGO was intercepted, though the operator fled upon sighting the troops. Near Clough Creek in Ekeremor LGA, armed oil thieves engaged troops but were overpowered, leading to the destruction of two wooden boats and the recovery of an unspecified quantity of stolen crude.
In Akwa Ibom State, intensified military presence has significantly disrupted the operations of economic saboteurs, denying them the freedom to operate.
Major General Jamal Abdussalam, the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, commended the troops for their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s oil resources. He emphasized that these operations would continue until illegal oil activities are eradicated in the region.
