Troops of the Nigerian Army, 6 Division, have arrested 38 suspected oil thieves and destroyed 28 illegal refining sites in a series of coordinated operations across the Niger Delta region.
The Army also recovered over 700,000 litres of stolen petroleum products and destroyed several locally made boats used by the suspects.
This was disclosed in a statement on Sunday by the Acting Deputy Director, Public Relations, 6 Division, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, who said the feat was achieved through a joint operation involving sister security agencies.
Danjuma said the feat was achieved during an operation which lasted six hours by operatives of the Army and other sister agencies.
According to Danjuma, the operations were carried out between May 12 and 18, and covered multiple flashpoints in Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta and Akwa Ibom States.
The statement read, “Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in conjunction with other security agencies, have intensified the crackdown against crude oil theft and associated crimes across the Niger Delta region.
“The operations, which were conducted between 12th and 18th May 2025 led to the arrest of 38 suspected oil thieves, deactivation of 28 illegal refining sites, destruction of several locally made boats used for the criminality, with over 700,000 litres of stolen products recovered across the Niger Delta region.
“In various anti-crude oil theft operations conducted in Rivers State, particularly around Okolomade, Orashi and Ozochi Forests, troops made significant inroads.”
During the operations, the Army said troops traced an illegal connection seated directly on a Wellhead at Ozochi Forest.
Follow-up operations in the area led to the seizure of over 200 sacks of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 300,000 litres of stolen crude stored in ovens, and 300,000 litres of AGO already refined.
“Other seizures included six cooking ovens of 100,000 litres capacity each, four reservoirs, six receivers, pumping machines and generators.
“Also recovered were hoses used for transporting the stolen products over a distance. Three suspected oil thieves have been taken into custody in connection with the malfeasance.
“While around Alode junction in Eleme, following credible intelligence, troops swooped on a truck with two Lagos State Registration Numbers, LSR 546 YH and LND 974 XD, loaded with over 45,000 litres of stolen AGO parked at the junction.
”Similar operations conducted at Obiafor Forest led to the arrest of five suspected oil thieves, who were alleged to have established a new illegal bunkering site in the area,” the statement read.
In clearance operations along the Imo River, troops deactivated seven illegal refining sites, confiscating 31 drum pots, 10 drum receivers, 38 sacks and over 7,000 litres of stolen oil products.
In Ahoada East LGA, a sting operation in Amahausa Community led to the recovery of 50 sacks of illegally refined oil, estimated at over 2,500 litres.
It continued, “Additionally, troops discovered a locally made reservoir, situated 300 meters away from an abandoned Wellhead laden with over 25,000 litres of stolen crude.
“Relatedly, at Olughighi area, a wooden boat loaded with over 10, 000 litres of stolen crude, hidden in the creeks, was demobilized while the ongoing clearance operations conducted by troops along Imo River led the deactivation of seven illegal refining sites, with 31 drum pots, 10 drum receivers demobilized, 38 sacks and over 7,000 litres of stolen products recovered.
“Similarly, a sting operation conducted at a makeshift accommodation at Amahausa Community in Ahoada East LGA, led to the recovery of over 50 sacks of illegally refined crude oil estimated to be over 2,500 litres.”
In Bayelsa State, troops uncovered a refining site with six ovens at Biseni, Yenagoa LGA, where over 2,000 litres of stolen products were destroyed.
Also, at Isonogbene Creek in Southern Ijaw LGA, a site with over 1,500 litres of stolen crude was discovered and dismantled.
In Delta State, operations at Ughoton Creek in Warri South LGA led to the destruction of three active artisanal refineries and six drums containing over 3,600 litres of stolen crude and AGO.
The statement further said in Delta State, “Troops projected anti-crude oil theft operations into Ughoton Creeks in Warri South LGA, where three active artisanal refineries with multiple holding facilities, sacks and six drums containing over 3,600 litres of stolen crude and AGO were handled appropriately.
“Also, at Wellhead 3 Olomoro Flow station in Isoko South LGA, troops intercepted a truck with Registration Number MUS 948 XN loaded with crude oil close to the flow station. The driver was arrested and is being interrogated accordingly.
In Akwa Ibom, a minibus with registration number BMT 459 XA was intercepted along the Abak–Ikot Abasi Road. It was carrying over 1,170 litres of illegally refined AGO packed in nylon bags.
The statement held that the driver had been taken into custody.
The General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Emekah, who visited some of the sites for an on-the-spot assessment, commended the troops and urged them to maintain professionalism.
He assured the troops that their welfare remained a priority and urged them to sustain the momentum of the ongoing operations.
