Nigerian Army Conducts Major Operation Against Oil Theft in Niger Delta
The Nigerian Army’s 6 Division has carried out a series of operations targeting oil theft and related criminal activities across four states in the Niger Delta region. These efforts have led to the arrest of 62 suspected oil thieves, the dismantling of multiple illegal refining sites, and the seizure of over 350,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.
The operation, which spanned four days, was part of the army’s ongoing campaign against oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and associated crimes. The collaboration with other security agencies played a key role in achieving these results. According to the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 6 Division, Lt Col Jonah Danjuma, the operation took place between 14 and 20 July 2025, covering Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom states.
Key Achievements of the Operation
During the operation, troops successfully dismantled 14 illegal refining sites. In Rivers State, they deactivated six such sites near an abandoned wellhead at Joinkrama 4 in Ahoada West Local Government Area. The area also saw the recovery of significant quantities of stolen crude oil and Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), including six large ovens, reservoirs, and receivers containing approximately 300,000 litres of crude oil and 21,000 litres of AGO.
Additional items recovered included a generator set, welding machine, and several shovels. In Obiafor, within Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, troops dismantled several illegal refining sites. They discovered three dug-out pits, two filled with over 5,700 litres of stolen crude and one containing unquantified AGO. Two boats loaded with ten sacks of condensates were intercepted at the riverside in Obiafor.
In Elele Town, Ikwerre LGA, a Sienna vehicle without a registration number was found loaded with 32 sacks of AGO totaling over 1,920 litres. An illegal connection point and a dug-out pit filled with over 1,200 litres of condensate were also discovered. Recovered items included three 150-metre-long hoses, eight metal drums, and several ovens used for illicit refining.
Operations in Bayelsa and Delta States
In Bayelsa State, around Biseni in Yenagoa LGA, troops deactivated four illegal refining sites and four dug-out pits. Over 10,000 litres of stolen AGO were confiscated, along with five cooking ovens that were dismantled. The military continues to conduct patrols in creeks and rivulets to combat economic saboteurs.
Following a tip-off, troops deployed from Javel Sharp Sand Waterside to Gana Road in Sapele LGA of Delta State, where two suspected oil thieves were apprehended. They were found with two boats carrying 30 cellophane bags filled with over 1,500 litres of illegally refined AGO.
Continued Efforts in Akwa Ibom State
In Akwa Ibom State, the Nigerian Army reported continued dominance in the operational landscape, effectively preventing criminal elements from operating freely. This success underscores the effectiveness of coordinated efforts among security agencies in curbing oil-related crimes.
Leadership Commends Troops’ Performance
The General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj Gen Emmanuel Emekah, commended the troops for their achievements during the operation. He urged them to maintain the current operational tempo to ensure that economic saboteurs are denied any freedom of action.
These operations highlight the critical role of the Nigerian Army in safeguarding national resources and combating crime in the Niger Delta region. Through sustained efforts and collaboration with other security agencies, the military continues to make significant strides in restoring order and protecting the country’s valuable oil reserves.
