The 6th Division of the Nigerian Army has reported the successful dismantling of 19 illegal refineries, the arrest of 12 suspects, and the recovery of 138,000 liters of stolen petroleum products in the Niger Delta region.
These accomplishments were the result of a week-long operation conducted in collaboration with various security agencies across multiple communities in the region.
Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 6th Division, shared the updates in a statement issued from Port Harcourt on Sunday evening.
The operation, carried out from March 17 to March 23, 2025, spanned four states: Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Delta.
According to Danjuma, “Troops of the 6th Division, building on previous operational successes, conducted a series of operations between March 17 and 23, 2025. These efforts led to the destruction of 19 artisanal refineries, the arrest of 12 suspected oil thieves, and the confiscation of over 138,000 liters of stolen petroleum products across the Joint Operations Area.”
A major focus of the operation was intelligence-driven actions in Rivers State, where a tanker loaded with 60,000 liters of stolen crude oil was intercepted along the Apajo-Iwoji-Iwofe road in Obio Akpor Local Government Area. Upon spotting the troops, the driver abandoned the truck and fled, leaving behind a vehicle containing multiple license plates.
In addition, clearance operations in the Imo River area led to the destruction of several illegal refineries, as well as the recovery of 64 drum pots and 15 drum receivers containing over 4,500 liters of stolen petroleum products.
At Kumufari Creek in Degema Local Government Area, troops discovered an abandoned refining oven and 40 sacks containing more than 1,200 liters of stolen crude oil. A subsequent raid in the Okotokolomabia/Okoloma Lounge area of Bonny Island uncovered a variety of abandoned equipment, including a 6 KVA generator, a welding machine, five drilling machines, two drilling cups, and several bolts and nuts.
Further operations targeted illegal bunkering camps in Rivers and Bayelsa states. In Joinkrama 4 and Biseni, troops destroyed illegal refining sites and recovered over 25,000 liters of stolen crude oil and 850 liters of illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil. Additionally, more than 1,550 liters of stolen crude oil were recovered from cellophane bags found along the waterways.
In Delta State, near Masogar in Ethiope West Local Government Area, an illegal bunkering truck was intercepted along the NNPC/Chevron/Seplat pipeline, carrying more than 20,000 liters of stolen crude. A second truck was found nearby, waiting to be loaded with additional stolen products.
In Akwa Ibom State, a Toyota Avalon loaded with 1,620 liters of stolen petroleum products, packaged in 54 cellophane bags, was intercepted along the Iko-Okorete Communities road in Eastern Obolo Local Government Area. The two occupants of the vehicle were arrested.
All arrested suspects have been handed over to the relevant authorities for prosecution, and all seized items and products have been processed according to the operational mandate.
Maj. General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, General Officer Commanding the 6th Division, Nigerian Army, commended the troops for their efforts and urged them to intensify operations to combat crude oil theft and eliminate criminals’ ability to operate freely.
He also called on the people of the region to continue providing credible information to security agencies to facilitate swift action.
