Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division, in collaboration with other security agencies, have intensified operations against oil theft and criminal activities in the Niger Delta, deactivating 14 illegal refining sites, arresting over 71 suspects and confiscating more than 33,000 litres of stolen petroleum products between July 21 and August 10, 2025.
According to the Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the sustained efforts of the troops have been yielding positive results in the fight against economic sabotage.
In Rivers State, two illegal refining sites were deactivated along Kilometre 45 in Degema Local Council, with more than 22,500 litres of stolen crude oil recovered. Two wooden boats used for the illicit activity were also immobilised. In Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Council, troops intercepted two wooden boats loaded with eight sacks of stolen crude.
Further operations at the fringes of the Imo River led to the deactivation of five illegal refining sites in Obuzor, Okoloma and Oyingbo Local Councils of Abia and Rivers states, where 16 drum pots, two drum receivers and over 2,000 litres of stolen crude were recovered. A dug-out pit containing more than 1,500 litres of stolen products was also discovered and destroyed.
In Bayelsa State, troops raided a store in Bassambiri, Nembe Local Council, uncovering 16 units of 30-litre jerricans filled with stolen petroleum products. In Biseni, Yenagoa Local Council, an illegal refining site was dismantled, and more than 1,200 litres of stolen products were recovered.
In Delta State, troops intercepted a vehicle with registration number AG 02 KWR at Omuseti Junction along the Kwale–Ozoro road in Ndokwa West Local Council. The vehicle was loaded with 31 units of 25-litre jerricans containing stolen Automotive Gasoline Oil.
The General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, commended informants for their role in aiding the operations. He emphasised that when suspected illegal products are recovered, due diligence is carried out to verify their authenticity. If found to be legally owned, they are returned to the rightful owner in line with the mandate of Operation Delta Safe.
He added that suspects arrested for economic sabotage are handed over to the appropriate agencies for prosecution.
