Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division have arrested 23 suspected oil thieves, dismantled 13 artisanal refineries, and confiscated 180,000 liters of stolen products in coordinated operations aimed at curbing oil theft in the Niger Delta.
Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, said the operations, carried out in collaboration with other security agencies, demonstrate significant progress in combating economic sabotage in the region.
Between April 21 and 27, 2025, troops recovered over 45,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) concealed in sacks within a forested area in Orachi/Okolomade, Abia/Odual Local Council of Rivers State.
Another major operation in Obiafo, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Council, destroyed an active illegal refining site and recovered over 28,000 litres of stolen crude in two reservoirs. One suspect was apprehended, while others fled upon sighting the troops. Additional recoveries included an 800-meter hose and a pumping machine.
In Peterside Community, Bonny Local Council, troops uncovered an illegal refining site with three pots and receivers, alongside over 10,000 litres of stolen products. Along the Obrikom-Omoku axis, two wooden boats carrying over 3,000 litres of illegally refined AGO were intercepted, resulting in the arrest of seven suspects.
In Akwa Ibom State, intelligence-led operations intercepted a tanker truck with registration number 1430 LA, carrying 39,994 litres of stolen AGO along the Itu-Calabar highway. Two suspects were arrested, and investigations revealed fake waybill documents. A similar operation along the Abak-Ikomima road in Uyo Local Council led to the seizure of a truck with 39,985 litres of stolen crude, also transported with falsified documentation.
Further operations in Ibio Ndot Community, Orok Anam Local Council, uncovered 103 nylon bags containing over 3,090 litres of illegally refined AGO hidden in a cassava farm.
In Bayelsa State, troops discovered an illegal refining site in Biseni, Yenagoa Local Council, recovering over 2,600 litres of AGO. At Adibawa, also in Yenagoa, 2,500 litres of stolen crude, 1,100 litres of AGO, and eight wheelbarrows used for illegal refining were recovered, with six suspects apprehended.
In Delta State, troops intensified operations to dismantle oil theft networks, effectively denying saboteurs the freedom to operate. General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, urged troops to maintain pressure on economic saboteurs and called on the public to support military efforts by providing credible information on criminal activities.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (NNFOB) Bonny arrested six suspects and seized a wooden boat laden with 600 litres of illegally refined AGO in Oputumbi Community, Bonny Local Council of Rivers State.
Base Operations Officer, Lt. Cdr. Siraj Almustapha, said the boat, intercepted on April 24, 2025, was disguised with sachet water bags concealing 20 nylon bags of AGO. The suspects and the boat were handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for further investigation and prosecution.
Almustapha highlighted the base’s ongoing efforts to disrupt criminal activities through routine patrols, anti-oil theft operations, and the protection of critical national infrastructure. He noted the evolving tactics of criminal elements within the maritime environment and the Base’s measures to dislocate them and deny their freedom of operation.
The Divisional Officer of the NSCDC in Bonny Local Council, Mamah Sunday, praised the navy’s efforts and affirmed the agency’s readiness to pursue further investigations.
Almustapha also referenced a previous operation on March 28, 2025, in which the FOB Bonny Anti-Kidnapping Team rescued 15 passengers abducted by armed men near Opuadakiri Community.
