Over a week-long operation, troops from Nigeria's 6th Division of the Army arrested 39 suspected oil thieves and dismantled 18 illegal refining sites across the Niger Delta region. The crackdown, conducted from March 24 to 30, 2025, was carried out in collaboration with other security agencies, according to Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the Acting Deputy Director of 6th Division Army Public Relations.
In a statement, Danjuma said the security forces confiscated over 60,000 liters of stolen petroleum products and dismantled various illegal refining infrastructures during the operation. In Rivers State, troops intercepted an improvised twin fuel tank containing 18,000 liters of stolen crude oil, and seized a truck attempting to smuggle concealed stolen products.
Further operations along the Imo River led to the dismantling of several illegal refineries, with over 15,000 liters of stolen products recovered. Troops also destroyed two refining sites in Rumuekpe Forest, Ahoada East, confiscating 2,800 liters of stolen crude.
Similar raids were conducted in Ebocha, Omoku, Jelikri Creek, Yenagoa, Southern Ijaw, and Egbokodo Itsekiri, where troops seized drums of stolen crude, illegally refined automotive fuel, and dismantled refining equipment. The Army statement highlighted that in Akwa Ibom, troops had "dominated the operational landscape" to prevent criminal activities.
Commenting on the operation, the 6th Division's General Officer Commanding, Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Emekah, reiterated the Army's commitment to eradicating oil theft. He warned that "anyone engaging in illegal refining must turn a new leaf or be prepared to face the full wrath of the law," and vowed to sustain a secure environment for legitimate exploration activities.
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