The Nigerian Army’s 6 Division has made significant strides in combating oil theft in the Niger Delta region
In a series of operations conducted between April 21 and 27, 2025, troops arrested 23 suspected oil thieves, deactivated 13 artisanal refineries, and confiscated over 180,000 litres of stolen products.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, the operations were conducted in synergy with other security agencies.
He noted that in one of the operations, troops recovered over 45,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in sacks, concealed at different locations within a very treacherous forested area in Orachi/Okolomade, Abia/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Another significant operation was conducted in Obiafo, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, where an active illegal refining site was destroyed, and over 28,000 litres of stolen crude were recovered in two reservoirs.
During the operation, one suspect was arrested, while others fled upon sighting the troops. Additionally, an 800-meter-long hose and a pumping machine were recovered.
In Peterside Community, Bonny Local Government Area, troops uncovered an illegal refining site, where three pots and receivers, and over 10,000 litres of stolen products were recovered.
Two wooden boats conveying over 3,000 litres of illegally refined AGO were intercepted, and seven suspected oil thieves were apprehended along Obrikom-Omoku.
In Akwa Ibom State, following credible intelligence, troops intercepted a tanker truck with Registration number 1430 LA filled with 39,994 litres of stolen products along the Itu-Calabar highway in Itu LGA.
He stated that two suspected oil thieves were arrested in connection with the seizure. Further probe led to the discovery of fake waybill papers in possession of the criminal elements.
A similar operation was also conducted along Abak-Ikomima road in Uyo LGA, which led to the interception of a truck with Registration number 22689 LA laden with 39,985 litres of stolen crude.
“The products were also said to be conveyed with fake papers. Closely related was a sting operation conducted at Ibio Ndot Community in Orok Anam LGA, where troops discovered 103 nylon bags filled with over 3,090 litres of illegally refined AGO concealed in a Cassava farm,” Danjuma said.
Meanwhile, the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, has called on troops to sustain the pressure on all forms of economic sabotage in the region.
He called on the good people of the region to continue to support military operations by providing credible information on the activities of criminals in their domain to the security agencies.
