Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, have confiscated 70,000 litres of stolen petroleum products as part of efforts to combat oil theft and illegal refining in the Niger Delta.
Between January 27 and February 2, 2025, the troops destroyed 12 illegal refining sites, arrested 16 suspected oil thieves, dismantled six boats, and intercepted nine vandalized pipelines.
Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division, Army Public Relations, disclosed these in a statement, reaffirming the military’s commitment to sustaining operations and ensuring a secure environment for lawful economic activities.
In Rivers State, troops intercepted two suction trucks carrying 12,000 litres of stolen crude along the Igwuruta-Airport Road in Ikwerre Local Government Area. Further intelligence led to the discovery of a storage facility in a nearby scrap yard, where over 10,000 litres of stolen products were seized. Additionally, clearance operations around the Imo River resulted in the destruction of three illegal refining sites, 43 cooking drum pots, 23 receivers, and three fibre boats.
Security forces also recovered 4,000 litres of stolen products in Obigbo, Oyigbo, and Ukwa areas, alongside a locally made double-barrel gun abandoned by fleeing oil thieves. In Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA), troops dismantled four illegal refining sites, destroyed 86 locally made ovens, and uncovered a dugout pit containing 7,200 litres of stolen crude and 2,700 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). Additionally, along the Ndoni waterside, 102 sacks filled with 5,100 litres of stolen AGO and Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) were discovered. At Agah, 35 sacks containing over 2,100 litres of illegally refined AGO were confiscated, while two suspects were arrested in Omoku with 14 sacks of condensates stored in their homes.
In Delta State, troops intercepted a locally made wooden boat abandoned in the Ashaka Okpai community water channel, carrying 3,160 litres of stolen crude. Eight sacks of condensates were also found along the Oando pipeline near Tuomo village in Bomadi.
Security forces also arrested a suspected oil thief in Bayelsa’s Sagbama Local Government Area with 1,100 litres of illegally refined AGO.
“Troops have continued to dominate the creeks and waterways in Akwa Ibom State to deny criminal elements freedom of action,” the statement reads
Commending the troops, as contained in the statement, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, urged the Troops to maintain professionalism and intensify operations.
“I charge you to upscale the operational tempo in ensuring a conducive environment for increased exploration activities is created,” he said.
He further encouraged them to “remain professional and disciplined in discharging their duties”.
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