In a sustained crackdown on oil theft in the Niger Delta region, troops from the 6th division of the Nigerian Army detained 19 suspected oil thieves, destroyed 22 illegal refining facilities, and recovered more than 180 000 litres of stolen petroleum products worth more than 150 million.
The Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 6 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, gave a statement detailing the operations that was released to the media on December 29, 2025.
The operations were carried out between November 23 and December 28, 2025, according to the release, with troops working “in close collaboration with other security agencies” to prevent criminal elements from being able to engage in illegal activity throughout the Niger Delta.
According to the release, “troops have continued to dominate the operational landscape, effectively preventing oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and other forms of economic sabotage.”
Rivers, Bayelsa, and record significant recoveries
According to the release, troops in Rivers State discovered 350 sacks of crude oil that contained more than 10,500 liters of crude oil at Ogale Community in Eleme LGA, and two illegal refining sites were destroyed around Okarki Forest in Ahoada West LGA.
A hose that spanned more than nine kilometers of Orashi Forest, an oil-filled dugout pit, and four illegal refining sites, was located at the Abua/Odual LGA.
Large ovens, reservoirs, and pumping machines used in the illegal operations were among the items destroyed, according to the release.
A large reservoir containing more than 75 000 litres of stolen crude oil and a pumping machine was recovered at Siebu Creek in Ogbienbiri, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, where troops deactivated an illegal refining site in Bayejsa    , State, in addition to being deactivated.
More than 17, 000 litres of stolen goods were recovered as a result of further operations around Biseni in Yenagoa LGA. A concealed Cotonou boat loaded with 2, 775 litres of stolen crude oil was intercepted at Okarki, Ogbia LGA.
Further, the release further revealed that soldiers were allegedly escorting a truck along the Asaba–Benin Expressway in Agbor while intercepting it along the Asaba–Benin Expressway. Additional investigations in the Sapele and Ughelli South LGAs resulted in the recovery of illegally refined condensates and the arrest of suspects.
In Abak LGA, where several jerricans were seized with stolen products, were found a warehouse stocked with illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO).
Read more about Atiku’s push for “fresh passage” of tax reform laws.
Army Supports Crackdown
Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, the commander of the 6th division of the Nigerian Army, praised the troops and charged them to keep the momentum against oil thieves.
According to the release, “the GOC urged troops to maintain the pace against economic saboteurs who threaten critical national infrastructure.”
He also made a plea to the Niger Delta’s residents to provide credible information to support the military.
The statement stated that “the cooperation of law-abiding citizens is undoubtedly essential to bringing down crime in the region.”
Source: Channels TV
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