Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, have intensified operations against illegal oil refining activities in the Niger Delta, destroying 14 illegal refining sites, arresting 16 suspected oil thieves, and confiscating over 24,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.
According to a statement by Danjuma Jonah, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, the operations were carried out between February 24 and March 2, 2025, in collaboration with other security agencies.
In Bayelsa, troops acting on credible intelligence dismantled two active illegal refining sites in Biseni, Yenagoa Local Government Area (LGA).
They recovered over 8,000 litres of stolen crude and more than 3,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel. Also seized were a generator, welding, and cutting materials.
Additionally, the troops deactivated another illegal refining site near an Oando Wellhead and confiscated over 2,000 litres of stolen crude and 800 litres of refined AGO at Adibawa, also in Yenagoa LGA.
According to the statement, other seized items included two wheelbarrows and a pumping machine.
In Rivers State, troops intercepted a truck loaded with 140 sacks of stolen crude—estimated at over 7,500 litres—at the Refinery checkpoint in Okrika LGA. The driver abandoned the vehicle and fled upon sighting the troops.
Nigerian Army also said that three illegal refining sites were dismantled at Ekpe-Mgbede, Omoku, in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA. The army destroyed 28 locally made ovens and three large metal drums used in the illicit operation.
It noted that troops also dismantled an illegal refining site in Buguma, Asari-Toru LGA, where four drum pots and a massive tarpaulin used for storage were destroyed. Another operation at Rumukpe, Emohua LGA, led to the destruction of a large drum pot, a drum receiver, and ten polythene bags filled with stolen petroleum products.
“At the fringes of the Imo River, several illegal refining sites were neutralized, with 30 drum pots, 16 drum receivers, and an unspecified quantity of stolen petroleum products rendered useless.
“In Delta State, troops confiscated 1,500 litres of AGO stored in sacks at a makeshift camp in Ugbokodo, Warri South LGA. They also intercepted a black jeep carrying suspected illegally refined AGO. Meanwhile, four suspected oil thieves were arrested at Egwa 2, 18, and 22 Oil Wells in Warri South West LGA”, the statement reads.
In Akwa Ibom State, according to Army, troops have intensified operations along the waterways, creeks, and hinterlands, making it difficult for oil thieves and pipeline vandals to operate.
Emmanuel Emekah, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 6 Division, reassured the public that the military remains committed to combating oil theft and ensuring the safety of hydrocarbon assets in the region.
He emphasized that the division will continue to implement proactive measures to support smooth exploration and production activities in the Niger Delta.
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