In a major offensive against oil theft and illegal refining in the Niger Delta, the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has announced the destruction of 25 illegal refineries and the recovery of 95,000 litres of stolen crude. The operation, conducted in collaboration with other security agencies, led to the arrest of 12 suspected oil thieves and the seizure of 18 boats used for illicit activities.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director of Nigerian Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, on Sunday, the crackdown was carried out between February 10 and 16, 2025. The operations spanned Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom states, where troops dismantled illegal refining sites and intercepted large quantities of stolen crude oil and refined products.
Major Seizures and Arrests Across Four States
The Nigerian army’s operations resulted in significant seizures and arrests, highlighting the widespread nature of oil-related crimes in the Niger Delta. In Rivers State, troops on a night patrol intercepted a 45,000-litre capacity DAF truck with multiple plate numbers attempting to siphon crude oil along the Trans Niger Pipeline route. The suspects abandoned the truck and fled upon sighting security personnel.
Similarly, at the Odagwa–Imo River stretch in Etche Local Government Area, two wooden boats loaded with 20,000 litres of stolen crude were seized. Additionally, in Ndoni, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, security forces uncovered three illegal bunkering dump sites containing 3,420 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). Two hoses were confiscated, and two suspects were taken into custody.
In Delta State, Nigerian army targeted illegal refineries in Benneth Island, Warri South West LGA, and Omadino, Warri South LGA. These operations led to the deactivation of five active refining sites, the destruction of storage facilities, and the confiscation of over 11,700 litres of stolen crude and refined AGO.
Resistance from Armed Oil Thieves and Weapons Seizures
During the operations, the Nigerian army encountered armed resistance from oil thieves at Clough Creek in Ekeremor LGA, Bayelsa State. As troops approached an illegal refining site, they discovered that access roads had been blocked with logs and wooden boats. The criminals engaged security forces in a gunfight but were overpowered by the army’s superior firepower. The assailants fled, leaving behind two wooden boats and an undisclosed amount of stolen crude.
In Eku Community, Ethiope East LGA, Delta State, Nigerian army acting on intelligence arrested a suspect in possession of a pump-action rifle, further underscoring the link between oil theft and armed criminal activities. Additionally, in Biseni, Yenagoa, a tricycle loaded with illegally refined AGO was intercepted, though the suspect managed to evade capture. Efforts are ongoing to trace the source of the illicit supply.
Strategic Operations in Remote Creeks and Forests
To dismantle the deep-rooted network of illegal refineries, the army extended its operations to remote creeks and forests where bunkering activities thrive. In Rivers State, troops neutralized 19 illegal refining sites and destroyed 51 drum pots and 34 drum receivers handling over 4,000 litres of stolen crude. Other significant seizures were recorded in Kumufari and Ogbonma forests in Buguma, Asari-Toru LGA, as well as Okobhio Forest in Degema LGA.
Bayelsa State also witnessed intensified operations, with troops raiding an illegal refining site in Etelabu Forest, Yenagoa, where over 1,000 litres of stolen crude were recovered. Meanwhile, in Akwa Ibom State, military forces dominated key operational areas, significantly reducing the activities of economic saboteurs.
Nigerian Army Leadership Vows Sustained Action Against Economic Saboteurs
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Eric Emekah, commended the troops for their relentless efforts in combating oil theft and pipeline vandalism. He urged them to sustain the momentum, emphasizing that denying criminals the freedom to operate would facilitate increased oil exploration and economic stability in the region.
On February 15, 2025, Major General Emekah conducted an operational visit to the Imo River stretch to assess ongoing illegal activities. He traversed waterways and deep creeks, uncovering multiple illegal refining sites. Following his findings, he ordered the immediate destruction of all bunkering hubs in Afam, Obeama, and Umuori Creek in Obigbo LGA, Rivers State, as well as Asa waterways in Abia State.
Emekah directed troops to conduct a thorough sweep of the entire stretch, ensuring that all illegal refining structures were dismantled. He reaffirmed the army’s commitment to maintaining pressure on oil thieves, stating that sustained military operations would help restore normalcy and economic prosperity in the Niger Delta
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