The Nigerian Army’s 6 Division has intensified its campaign against oil theft and illegal refining in the Niger Delta, destroying eight illegal refineries and recovering about 18,000 litres of stolen crude oil during a two-week raid across three states.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Port Harcourt, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah, revealed that the operations, conducted between September 21 and October 5, 2025, also led to the arrest of several suspects and the destruction of equipment used for crude processing, including receivers, ovens, drums, and pipes.
According to him, the exercise was part of ongoing kinetic and non-kinetic measures to curb oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and other criminal activities sabotaging the nation’s economy.
He said, “Determined to end the cycle of oil theft and associated crimes in the Niger Delta Region, troops of 6 Division have intensified efforts in collaboration with other security agencies, achieving significant success in recent weeks.”
During the operation in Rivers State, troops dismantled a newly constructed illegal refinery in Joinkrama 4, Ahoada West Local Government Area, recovering over 3,500 litres of stolen crude. Acting on intelligence, the soldiers also intercepted a red Mercedes-Benz vacuum truck, with registration number AHD 925 XA, carrying more than 3,200 litres of stolen crude along Aba Road in Oyigbo LGA. The driver reportedly fled the scene on sighting the troops.
Similar raids at Odogwa in Etche, Obeama Uzomiri Waterside in Oyigbo, and Obiafor Oil Field in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni led to further discoveries of illegal refining equipment and thousands of litres of stolen crude.
In Imo River’s fringes, another illegal refinery site was deactivated, with several drum pots and receivers recovered along with 2,000 litres of stolen crude packed in sacks.
Meanwhile, in Akwa Ibom State, troops intercepted two Toyota Camry vehicles—registration numbers ANA 495 CK and AKD 233 EQ—carrying 120 bags filled with over 3,600 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil. Two suspects were arrested in connection with the act.
In Bayelsa State, troops uncovered an abandoned property at Biseni Community along Kemezia Road, Yenagoa LGA, containing over 950 litres of stolen petroleum products.
Commending the troops for their dedication, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, lauded their persistence and professionalism throughout the operations.
He cautioned criminal elements in the region to desist from acts of economic sabotage and embrace lawful means of livelihood, emphasizing the Division’s determination to sustain a peaceful and economically viable Niger Delta.
“Under my watch, our forests will remain green and our waters blue. We will not tolerate any act that undermines the nation’s economic stability,” Emekah stated.
