Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in a major breakthrough in the fight against oil theft have arrested 16 suspected oil thieves and confiscated over 24,000 litres of stolen products in a series of operations conducted from February 24 to March 2, 2025.

The operations, which were carried out in collaboration with other agencies, resulted in the destruction of 14 illegal refining sites across Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta, and Akwa Ibom states.

According to a press release signed by the Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Danjuma, the operations were aimed at disrupting the activities of oil thieves and pipeline vandals in the Niger Delta region.

Danjuma noted that in Bayelsa State, troops destroyed two active illegal refining sites around Biseni in Yenagoa Local Government Area.

He said at the site, over 8,000 litres of stolen crude and 3,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO) were recovered. Other items recovered included one generator, welding, and cutting materials.

Similarly, in Rivers State, he noted that a truck loaded with 140 sacks of stolen crude, estimated to be over 7,500 litres, was intercepted at the Refinery checkpoint in Okrika Local Government Area. However, the driver absconded, abandoning the vehicle.

Troops also deactivated three illegal refining sites in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, and destroyed one illegal refining site in Buguma, Asari-Toru Local Government Area.

While in Delta State, troops impounded 1,500 litres of AGO stored in sacks at a makeshift camp in Ugbokodo Community, Warri South Local Government Area. Four suspected oil thieves were also arrested at Egwa 2, 18, and 22 Oil Wells in Warri South West Local Government Area.

He further stated: “Similarly, in Rivers State, a truck with Reg No KBT 220 XB Kano was intercepted at Refinery check point in Okrika LGA. The truck was loaded with 140 sacks of stolen crude, estimated to be over 7,500 litres.

“However, the driver absconded and abandoned the vehicle on sighting troops. At Ekpe – Mgbede general area in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, 3 illegal refining sites were deactivated with over 28 locally made ovens and 3 large empty metal drums handled appropriately.

“Around Buguma in Asari-Toru LGA, one illegal refining site was destroyed with four drum pots and massive tarpaulin used as storage facility destroyed. At Rumukpe in Emohua LGA, troops destroyed one massive drum pot, one drum receiver and ten polythene bags stocked with stolen products. While, around the fringes of Imo River, troops conducted clearance operations that led to the deactivation of several illegal refining sites, with 30 drum pots, 16 drum receivers with unspecified quantity of stolen products handled in line with operational exigency.

“While in Delta State, around Ugbokodo Community in Warri South LGA, troops impounded 1,500 litres of AGO stored in sacks at a makeshift camp. Troops also intercepted a black jeep conveying suspected illegally refined AGO. Additionally, following credible intelligence on activities of pipeline vandals, troops mobilised to the scene and arrested four suspected oil thieves at Egwa 2, 18 and 22 Oil Wells in Warri South West LGA.

“In Akwa Ibom State, troops have scaled up operational activities along the waterways, hinterland and the creeks, denying criminal elements freedom of action in the state.”

Meanwhile, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, reassured that troops will maintain the operational tempo to thwart all forms of criminality in the hydrocarbon domain.

The GOC further assured that the Division under his watch will continue to emplace proactive measures for seamless exploration activities in the NDR.