In a decisive crackdown on oil theft and illegal refining activities, the Nigerian Army has destroyed 19 illegal refining sites and arrested 20 suspected oil thieves across the Niger Delta region. The operations also led to the recovery of over 589,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.
This was made known in a statement released on Sunday by Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in Port Harcourt.
Lt. Col. Danjuma revealed that the successful operations, conducted between May 19 and 25, 2025, were executed in collaboration with other security agencies across Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom States.
“The ongoing anti-crude oil theft operations in the Niger Delta Region are progressing with several successes recorded,” the statement read.
Highlights from the Operations:
In Rivers State, troops uncovered and dismantled illegal refining camps in Okolomade, Orashi, and Ozochi Forests (Abua/Odual LGA). Recovered items included:
8 cooking ovens
Over 300,000 litres of illegally refined AGO
250,000 litres of stolen crude oil
7 reservoirs, 6 receivers, and a generator.
At the Imo River fringes, nine illegal refining sites were destroyed with the seizure of: 23 drum pots
10 drum receivers
321 sacks and over 16,000 litres of stolen petroleum.
In Ogba/Ndoni/Egbema LGA, troops confiscated 245 sacks containing approximately 12,500 litres of illegally refined AGO.
In Bonny LGA’s Ogbonga Forest, one suspect was arrested with evidence including a 400-metre crude-stained hose, a fibre hand-pulled boat, and tools used in refining operations.
Delta State witnessed raids in Jeddo (Okpe LGA) and Ogbu Aladja (Warri South LGA), where troops recovered polythene bags and sacks filled with unquantified amounts of refined AGO.
In Bayelsa State, an illegal refining camp was destroyed in Biseni, Yenagoa LGA, containing:
4 cooking ovens
Several drums and receivers.
In Akwa Ibom State, troops continued to dominate the creeks, waterways, and land, successfully disrupting the operations of economic saboteurs.
All arrested suspects have been handed over to relevant authorities for prosecution, while recovered products were processed in line with standard operational procedures.
Army Vows to Sustain Crackdown
Reacting to the outcome, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, reaffirmed the military’s unwavering commitment to protecting national assets.
“We are committed to creating a safe environment where legitimate exploration activities can thrive,” Maj. Gen. Emekah stated.
The operation underscores the Nigerian Army’s relentless pursuit of oil thieves and its broader goal to restore security and economic integrity in the resource-rich Niger Delta region.
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