The Nigerian Army’s 6 Division has dismantled 19 illegal refineries, arrested 12 suspects, and seized 138,000 liters of stolen petroleum products in a coordinated crackdown on oil theft in the Niger Delta.
The week-long operation, conducted in partnership with other security agencies, targeted multiple locations across Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Delta states. The Acting Deputy Director of the 6th Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, noted these developments in a statement issued from Port Harcourt on Sunday evening.
Danjuma stated, “Troops of the 6th Division of the Nigerian Army, while consolidating on previous operational successes, carried out a series of operations between March 17 and 23, 2025. These efforts led to the destruction of 19 artisanal refineries, the arrest of 12 suspected oil thieves, and the confiscation of over 138,000 liters of stolen petroleum products across the Joint Operations Area.”
A major breakthrough came in Rivers State, where intelligence-led actions resulted in the interception of a tanker carrying 60,000 liters of stolen crude oil along the Apajo-Iwoji-Iwofe road in Obio Akpor Local Government Area. The driver of the vehicle abandoned it and fled upon noticing the presence of security forces. A search of the truck uncovered multiple license plates, raising suspicions of its use in illegal activities.
Further clearance operations in the Imo River area led to the destruction of several illegal refining sites. Security personnel discovered 64 drum pots and 15 drum receivers containing over 4,500 liters of stolen petroleum products.
In Degema Local Government Area, troops uncovered an abandoned refining oven at Kumufari Creek. They also found 40 sacks filled with over 1,200 liters of stolen crude oil.
Additionally, a raid in the Okotokolomabia/Okoloma Lounge area of Bonny Island exposed hidden refining equipment. Among the recovered items were a 6 KVA generator, a welding machine, five drilling machines, two drilling cups, and various bolts and nuts, all suspected to be used for illegal refining operations.
