By Ameh Gabriel
In a renewed and intensified crackdown on oil theft and pipeline vandalism, troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division, in collaboration with other security agencies, have arrested 62 suspects and seized over 350,000 litres of stolen petroleum products during a week-long operation across the Niger Delta.
The coordinated operations, conducted between July 14 and 20, 2025, spanned four states Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom and resulted in the deactivation of 14 illegal refining sites. Five boats, multiple vehicles, and large volumes of illegally refined products were also intercepted.
According to the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 6 Division, Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the operations are part of an ongoing strategic effort to dismantle the criminal networks sabotaging Nigeria’s oil infrastructure.
State-by-State Breakdown of Operations
Rivers State
In Joinkrama 4, Ahoada West LGA, troops uncovered and shut down six illegal refining camps clustered around an abandoned wellhead. The sites harbored six large ovens, reservoirs, and receivers containing an estimated 300,000 litres of stolen crude oil and 21,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). Equipment recovered included generators, welding machines, and other tools.
In Obiafor, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, troops discovered three dug-out pits—two filled with over 5,700 litres of stolen crude oil and another with an unspecified volume of AGO. Two boats ferrying 10 sacks of condensate were intercepted nearby.
Elsewhere in Elele Town, Ikwerre LGA, a Sienna vehicle loaded with 32 sacks containing approximately 1,920 litres of stolen AGO was apprehended. Troops also discovered a pit with over 1,200 litres of condensate, an illegal connection point, and seized three 150-meter-long hoses, eight metal drums, and several ovens used for refining.
Bayelsa State
At Biseni, Yenagoa LGA, troops dismantled four illegal refining sites and four dug-out pits. More than 10,000 litres of stolen AGO were confiscated, and five cooking ovens destroyed. Search operations continue in nearby creeks to locate other criminal hideouts.
Delta State
Acting on intelligence, troops launched an operation from Javel Sharp Sand Waterside to Gana Road in Sapele LGA. Two suspects were arrested, and two boats transporting 30 cellophane bags containing over 1,500 litres of illegally refined AGO were seized.
Akwa Ibom State
Although no direct arrests were reported, troops maintained a robust security presence in key operational zones, effectively denying oil thieves the freedom to operate and disrupt national economic infrastructure.
Army Vows to Sustain Momentum
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, lauded the troops for their professionalism, vigilance, and unwavering commitment. He emphasized the importance of sustaining the momentum to completely eradicate oil theft and protect national assets.
“These operations are critical to safeguarding our economic lifeline and ensuring accountability in the oil sector,” Emekah said. “We will continue to pursue and dismantle every trace of criminality in the Niger Delta.”
Ongoing Commitment to National Security
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to combating economic sabotage and ensuring security in oil-producing regions. Authorities urge residents to support ongoing efforts by reporting suspicious activities that threaten national infrastructure.
