The Nigerian Army has intensified its fight against crude oil theft in the Niger Delta, leading to the arrest of 39 suspected oil thieves and the dismantling of 18 illegal refining sites. The operations, carried out between March 24 and 30, 2025, were part of a larger effort to combat oil-related crimes in the region.
Working alongside other security agencies, the troops confiscated over 60,000 litres of stolen petroleum products and recovered various tools used in illegal refining. The crackdown took place across multiple states, including Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom, where security personnel disrupted several illegal bunkering activities.
In Rivers State, troops intercepted a fabricated twin-tank truck carrying 18,000 litres of stolen crude oil along Ochokocho Road in Etche Local Government Area (LGA). Another truck, a MAN Diesel container vehicle (Reg: LXA 44 XA), was also seized, but the suspects managed to escape before security forces arrived.
Along the Imo River, multiple illegal refining sites were discovered, leading to the recovery of over 15,000 litres of stolen crude oil. In Rumuekpe Forest, Ahoada East LGA, soldiers dismantled two illegal refining operations containing more than 2,800 litres of stolen petroleum products.
Additional seizures took place in Ebocha and Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, while at Jelikri Creek, Degema LGA, troops destroyed numerous illegal refining sites and equipment, including drum ovens, receivers, hoses, and metal pipes.
In Bayelsa State, security personnel discovered two illegal refining sites in Adibawa, Yenagoa LGA, with over 8,000 litres of stolen crude oil stored in drums and sacks. Another operation in Okighene, Southern Ijaw LGA, led to the uncovering of a site containing 1,500 litres of crude oil and 300 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO).
Meanwhile, in Delta State, troops carried out a raid at Egbokodo Itsekiri Community, Warri South LGA. They seized multiple jerricans filled with illegally refined AGO and destroyed several cellophane bags used for smuggling petroleum products.
The military has also stepped up its efforts in Akwa Ibom State, tightening security around illegal oil operations to prevent further criminal activities. Reports indicate that the increased presence of security forces has significantly disrupted oil theft in the area.
Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, has directed troops to sustain their efforts against oil theft. He urged criminals involved in illegal refining to abandon their activities and seek lawful means of livelihood or risk severe legal consequences.
