The Nigerian Army has confirmed the destruction of 19 illegal oil refineries and the arrest of 20 individuals suspected of oil theft during a large-scale security sweep in the Niger Delta region. This action was taken during a week-long operation conducted between May 19 and 25, 2025, across four oil-producing states—Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom.
The operation, carried out in collaboration with other security agencies, led to the recovery of over 589,000 litres of stolen petroleum products. The Army’s acting Deputy Director of Public Relations for the 6 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Danjuma, disclosed these results in a statement issued from Port Harcourt on Sunday.
In Rivers State, several illegal refining sites were found in the dense forests of Okolomade, Orashi, and Ozochi, located in the Abua/Odual Local Government Area. Troops uncovered large-scale refining activities, recovering eight metal ovens used in the refining process, massive tanks holding 300,000 litres of illegally processed diesel (AGO), and 250,000 litres of stolen crude oil. Seven storage reservoirs, six collection drums, and a generator were also found.
Near the Imo River, troops found nine more illegal camps where they seized 23 large metal cooking pots, 10 drum receivers, and over 16,000 litres of stolen fuel stored in 321 sacks. In the Ogba/Ndoni/Egbema LGA, troops intercepted another 245 sacks of illegally refined diesel, roughly estimated at 12,500 litres.
Another part of the operation took place in the Ogbonga Forest, Bonny LGA. There, security forces arrested a suspect and seized a fibre boat, a 400-metre hose coated with crude oil, four spanners, and a Techno mobile phone.
In Delta State, the military destroyed illegal refining setups in Okpe LGA’s Jeddo community, where over 1,000 litres of stolen petroleum products packed in polythene bags were confiscated. Similar efforts in Warri South LGA led to the recovery of numerous sacks containing unmeasured amounts of illegally refined diesel.
Bayelsa State also saw action as troops demolished an illegal refining site in Biseni, Yenagoa LGA. They recovered four ovens, several drums, receivers, and litres of stolen fuel.
In Akwa Ibom, the military maintained heavy presence in key coastal and creek locations, cutting off the routes and access points often used by illegal operators. According to the Army, this persistent patrol has made it difficult for oil thieves to continue operations in the area.
All the suspects arrested during these operations have been handed over to relevant authorities for further investigation and prosecution. Recovered products are being handled according to standard procedures.
Commenting on the mission’s success, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, General Officer Commanding the 6 Division, noted the Army’s dedication to ridding the region of criminal oil activities. “We are committed to creating a safe environment where legitimate exploration activities can thrive,” he said.
