In a sustained crackdown against crude oil theft and related crimes in the Niger Delta region, troops from the 6th division of the Nigerian Army have detained 39 suspected oil thieves and destroyed 18 illegal refining facilities.
According to the Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the operation was carried out between March 24 and March 30, 2025, in collaboration with sister security organizations.
Danjuma claimed security forces also seize more than 60 000 litres of petroleum products that had been stolen and destroyed the illegal refining infrastructure.
He claimed that troops in Rivers State had intercepted a custom-built twin tank with 18, 000 litres of crude oil stolen along Ochokocho Road in the Etche Local Government Area. Additionally, a MAN Diesel container truck with the registration number LXA 44 XA was seized while attempting to smuggle petroleum-related items that were hidden in sawdust bags. When they saw security forces, the suspects left the car and fled.
Further anti-oil theft operations along the Imo River, in his opinion, resulted in the destruction of numerous illegal refining facilities, with over 15, 000 litres of stolen goods being recovered. 2,800 litres of stolen crude oil were taken from Rumuekpe Forest in Ahoada East LGA, where two refining sites were destroyed and two refining facilities were also damaged.
Similar operations were conducted in the Degema Local Government Area’s Ebocha, Omoku, and Jelikri Creek, where illegal refining facilities, drum ovens, hoses, and metal pipes were all found.
Additionally, the Army’s statement highlighted significant accomplishments in Bayelsa State, particularly in Yenagoa LGA, where two illegal refining facilities were demolished and reassembled with more than 8, 000 litres of stolen crude in drums and sacks.
Another illegal operation was discovered in the Southern Ijaw LGA, which involved the recovery of 1,500 liters of crude oil and 300 liters of automotive gas oil (AGO).
READ MORE: Oil Marketers’ Petrol Landing Cost Increases By $88/Ltr In One Week.
In Delta State, troops continued to fight crude oil theft after seizing several jerricans filled with illegally refined AGO and destroying storage containers used in the illicit trade.
According to the statement in Akwa Ibom State, troops “dominated the operational landscape,” preventing criminals from operating freely.
Major General Emmanuel Emekah, the division’s General Officer Commanding (GOC) leader, reiterated the army’s commitment to halting crude oil theft during his remarks. Our troops will continue to protect Nigeria’s resources and deter oil thieves. He warned that anyone who engages in illegal refining must turn a new leaf or be prepared to face the full punishment of the law.
Major General Emekah, who affirmed the army’s position, was quoted further as saying, “We will not relent in our efforts to maintain a secure environment where legitimate exploration activities can thrive without criminal interference.”
