The Nigerian Army has intensified its clampdown on oil theft and pipeline vandalism across the Niger Delta, successfully deactivating 14 illegal refining sites and arresting 62 suspected oil thieves in a recent week-long operation.
This was disclosed in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Sunday by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 6 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Danjuma, who noted that the operations were carried out between July 14 and 20, 2025.
The multi-agency operation covered Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom States, and resulted in the confiscation of over 350,000 litres of stolen petroleum products and the seizure of five boats used for illicit bunkering.
“In Rivers State alone, six illegal refining sites were dismantled around an abandoned wellhead at Joinkrama 4 in Ahoada West LGA,” the statement revealed. “Troops discovered large ovens, reservoirs, and receivers containing about 300,000 litres of stolen crude oil and 21,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).”
Recovered items included generator sets, welding machines, and other tools used for illegal refining. Similar raids in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA uncovered additional dug-out pits filled with stolen crude, as well as a Sienna vehicle loaded with over 1,900 litres of AGO in Elele Town.
In Bayelsa, troops dismantled four refining camps and confiscated over 10,000 litres of stolen AGO in Biseni, Yenagoa LGA. Five cooking ovens were also destroyed as troops continued combing the creeks for illegal refining clusters.
In Delta State, two suspects were apprehended in Sapele LGA following a tip-off. Their boats were intercepted with 30 cellophane bags filled with about 1,500 litres of illegally refined products.
The operation extended to Akwa Ibom, where the Army said its presence continues to disrupt criminal networks and prevent illicit activity across the region.
Major General Emmanuel Emekah, General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, commended the troops for their bravery and commitment, urging them to maintain momentum and deny economic saboteurs any freedom to operate.
“These successful operations underscore our unwavering determination to protect Nigeria’s oil assets and restore environmental and economic integrity in the Niger Delta,” Emekah stated.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its resolve to collaborate with relevant agencies in ensuring that those sabotaging national resources are brought to justice.
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