The Nigerian Army has intensified its crackdown on oil theft and related criminal activities in the Niger Delta Region (NDR), with troops of the 6 Division achieving significant operational successes between April 14 and 20, 2025.

In a series of coordinated operations conducted in collaboration with key stakeholders, troops dismantled 16 illegal refining sites and arrested 23 suspected oil thieves.

The operations also recovered over 62,000 litres of stolen crude oil and more than 5,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), along with arms, ammunition, and other equipment used for illicit activities.

In Bayelsa State, operations around the Adibawa Oando Wellhead in Yenagoa Local Government Area (YELGA) deactivated four illegal refining sites.

Troops confiscated three large concrete pits containing approximately 35,000 litres of stolen crude oil, alongside 2,500 litres of illegally refined AGO, Wellhead valves, and pumping machines.

The theft was reportedly facilitated by an 80-meter-long pipeline connected directly to the Wellhead.

Along the Gbarain-Zarama road, additional enforcement actions led to the interception of various tricycles conveying stolen products and the arrest of two suspected oil thieves.

In Rivers State, clearance operations along the Imo River corridor led to the dismantling of six artisanal refineries, the seizure of 30 drum pots, 24 drum receivers, and 1,100 sacks containing over 22,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.

These discoveries were made across Obuzor in Ukwa West LGA (Abia State) and Okoloma in Oyigbo LGA (Rivers State).

Troops acting on intelligence also recovered a wooden boat loaded with 2,500 litres of stolen crude oil at Okrika Creek, believed to have been siphoned from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Jetty.

In the Kula general area of Akuku-Toru LGA, three buyers and three sellers of stolen products were arrested. Their arrests led to the interception of three tugboats and a fibre boat, all loaded with over 1,500 litres of illegally refined AGO.

More seizures were made in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA (ONELGA), including a wooden boat transporting stolen products along Obohia Road to Obrikom Waterside. Additional illegal activity was uncovered in Okwuzi (ONELGA) and Okarki Forest in Ahoada West LGA.

In Delta State, troops uncovered a kidnappers’ hideout near Rhobot City along Ibuzu Road in Asaba and in the Iselle Azagba community, Aniocha LGA.

Two suspects were arrested, and a cache of weapons recovered, including two pump-action rifles, one double-barrel gun, one dane gun, and 56 cartridges. Other items recovered include 13 cutlasses, one military boot, camouflage gear, four fraternity berets, charms, and a pack of arrows.

Around Warri South, troops dismantled one illegal refining site and confiscated three cooking pots, drums containing over 600 litres of stolen crude oil, and an unspecified quantity of illegally refined AGO.

In Akwa Ibom State, troops sustained pressure on criminal elements, ensuring continued dominance across the operational landscape and denying oil thieves the freedom to operate.

To bolster morale, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, visited several troop locations across Bayelsa and Delta States. During the visit, he commended the soldiers for their dedication and urged them to sustain the operational tempo.

He reassured the troops of continued support, particularly concerning their welfare, as they intensify efforts to rid the region of economic saboteurs and other threats to national security.