The Nigerian Army’s 6 Division has continued its aggressive campaign against crude oil theft and illegal refining in the Niger Delta, deactivating seven illegal refining sites and recovering over 109,000 litres of stolen petroleum products in a two-week operation.
Between 10 and 23 November 2025, troops, in collaboration with other security agencies, raided multiple illegal refining camps across Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Delta, and Bayelsa States. The operations resulted in the seizure of 88,000 litres of stolen crude oil and 21,355 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), with an estimated street value exceeding N150 million.
Four suspected oil thieves were arrested during the raids. Troops also confiscated several large cooking pots, wooden boats loaded with stolen crude, metal storage tanks, drums, and thousands of litres contained in sacks and jerricans.
Notable operations included the destruction of an active illegal refining site at Okolomade Community in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State, the interception of a wooden boat conveying stolen crude in Uruan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, and the dismantling of a major tapping point at Daewoo Yard in Ekpan, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, General Officer Commanding 6 Division, commended the troops for their professionalism and resilience in the difficult swampy terrain of the Niger Delta. He reiterated the Army’s commitment to denying oil thieves and economic saboteurs the freedom to operate.
“The fight against crude oil theft is a fight for the economic survival of our nation. We will continue to dominate the terrain and dismantle every criminal hideout,” Maj. Gen. Emekah said.
He called on communities and residents of the Niger Delta to support the military by providing timely and credible information on the activities of pipeline vandals and illegal refinery operators in their areas.
The latest operation is part of the sustained effort by the Nigerian Army under Operation Delta Safe to curb oil theft, protect national assets, and safeguard the environment from the devastating effects of illegal refining activities in the region.
