Troops destroy illegal refining sites, recover 95,000 litres of stolen crude

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, has intensified efforts to combat illegal bunkering activities in the Niger Delta region.

On February 15, 2025, Emekah undertook an operational visit to the Imo River stretch to assess the extent of illegal activities in the corridor and enforce decisive action against perpetrators.

During the visit, the GOC inspected waterways, creeks, and rivulets along the Imo River, focusing on known illegal bunkering hotspots in Afam, Obeama, and Umuori Creek within Obigbo Local Council of Rivers State, as well as the Asa waterways in Abia State.

He directed the destruction of all illegal refining sites and life-supporting structures in the identified areas. Troops were also ordered to comb the adjoining forests to eliminate any remaining unlawful operations.

In a related development, troops from the 6 Division, in collaboration with other security agencies, arrested 12 suspected oil thieves and deactivated 25 illegal refining sites between February 10 and 16. The operations led to the recovery of over 95,000 litres of stolen crude, the demobilisation of 18 boats used for illegal activities, and the destruction of various ancillary equipment.

The Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah, explained that the operations were conducted across Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom states.

In Rivers State, troops intercepted a 45,000-litre capacity DAF truck with multiple plate numbers loaded with stolen crude along the Trans Niger Pipeline. The suspects abandoned the vehicle on sighting the troops.

Similarly, in Etche Local Council, two wooden boats carrying over 20,000 litres of stolen crude were intercepted along the Odagwa-Imo River stretch. Also, seizures in Degema Local Council included three wooden boats with over 3,200 litres of stolen crude.

In Delta State, troops raided Benneth Island, deactivated three active illegal refining sites, and recovered more than 6,300 litres of stolen crude. In Bayelsa State, a newly established site was discovered, leading to the recovery of over 1,000 litres of stolen crude.

The crackdown has also gained momentum in Akwa Ibom State, where troops are maintaining a strong presence to deny economic saboteurs freedom of action. Lieutenant Colonel Jonah noted that the operations have significantly disrupted the activities of oil thieves in the region.