The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has reported the arrest of 39 individuals suspected of involvement in oil theft, alongside the destruction of 18 illegal oil refineries in the Niger Delta region. During a six-day operation conducted in collaboration with other security agencies, 60,000 liters of stolen products were seized as part of the campaign against oil theft and related crimes.Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, the Acting Deputy Director of the 6 Division Army Public Relations, shared these details in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Monday.
The statement noted, “Troops from the 6 Division, Nigerian Army have successfully apprehended 39 suspected oil criminals and dismantled 18 illegal refining sites in an ongoing operation targeting crude oil theft and its associated crimes, conducted from March 24 to March 30, 2025.
This joint operation, carried out in collaboration with sister agencies, resulted in the confiscation of over 60,000 liters of stolen oil and other recovered items.
The operation in Rivers State included significant findings such as an inbuilt twin tank with 18,000 liters of stolen oil intercepted along Ochokocho Road in the Etche Local Government Area.
Additionally, a truck was apprehended while it was transporting an unspecified quantity of stolen oil concealed in bags of sawdust; the suspects reportedly fled upon the troops’ arrival.Further actions along the Imo River led to the dismantling of several illegal refining sites, where over 15,000 liters of stolen oil were recovered. Near the Rumuekpe Forest in Ahoada East Local Government Area, two sites were found, netting an additional 2,800 liters of stolen oil.Other successful operations occurred in Ebocha and Omoku, located in the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, while troops tracked down oil thieves at Jelikri Creek in Degema, destroying numerous refining sites, ovens, pipes, and other equipment.In Bayelsa State, the 6 Division’s operations also bore fruit, particularly in the Adibawa area of Yenagoa Local Government Area, where two illegal refineries were shut down, yielding over 8,000 liters of stolen crude in drums and sacks.
At Okighene in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, another illegal site was dismantled, resulting in the recovery of 1,500 liters of crude oil and 300 liters of illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil.In Delta State, operations continued to progress with visible results.
Troops seized numerous jerricans filled with illegally refined oil and destroyed materials used in the illegal activities in Egbokodo Itsekiri Community, Warri South Local Government Area.
Similarly, in Akwa Ibom State, troops maintained a strong presence to disrupt criminal activities, ensuring that oil thieves face significant challenges.
Major General Emmanue Emekah, General Officer Commanding the 6 Division, urged troops to intensify their efforts against oil theft and to create a secure environment that fosters legitimate exploration activities. He cautioned oil thieves to seek lawful means of livelihood or face the consequences of their actions.
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