The Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, has said troops of the division, through several operations conducted between 21 July and 10 August 2025, in conjunction with other security agencies, have sustained the trajectory against criminals in the Niger Delta Region.
Lt Col Danjuma noted that the determination by troops of the Division to stamp out oil theft and associated criminalities has been yielding positive results, resulting in the deactivation of fourteen illegal refining sites, the arrest of over 71 criminals, and the confiscation of over 33,000 litres of stolen products across the region.
According to him, in Rivers State, along Kilometre 45 in Degema Local Government Area, two illegal refining sites were deactivated with over 22,500 litres of stolen crude oil recovered.
He added that two wooden boats used for the illicit activity were demobilized, while in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, two wooden boats loaded with eight sacks of stolen crude were intercepted.
He also stated that further operations conducted at the fringes of the Imo River led to the deactivation of 5 illegal refining sites, with 16 drum pots, two drum receivers, and over 2,000 litres of stolen crude recovered at Obuzor, Okoloma, and Oyingbo Local Government Areas in Abia and Rivers states respectively, saying a dug-out pit filled with over 1,500 litres of stolen products was also discovered and handled appropriately.
In Bayelsa State, around Bassambiri in Nembe Local Government Area, troops raided a store where 16 units of 30 litres jerricans loaded with stolen products were hidden.
He stated that at Biseni in Yenagoa Local Government Area, troops uncovered an illegal refining site with over 1,200 litres of stolen products recovered.
While in Delta State, a vehicle with Registration Number AG 02 KWR loaded with 31 units of 25 litres jerricans filled with stolen Automotive Gasoline Oil was intercepted at Omuseti junction along Kwale to Ozoro road in Ndokwa West Local Government Area.
He said perpetrators of economic sabotage arrested by the troops are handed over to the appropriate agency for prosecution.
Meanwhile, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, while appreciating informants for their support, stated that when illegal products are discovered, due diligence is taken to verify the authenticity of the product or otherwise.
However, where the product is discovered to be genuine, it is usually handed over to the owner in line with the mandate of Operation DELTA SAFE. The GOC further stressed that perpetrators of economic sabotage arrested by the troops are handed over to the appropriate agency for prosecution.
