Korede Abdullah in Lagos
Between April 14 and 20, 2025, troops of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army conducted extensive operations across the Niger Delta region, successfully dismantling 16 illegal refineries and arresting 23 suspected oil thieves and other criminal elements.
According to a press statement on Sunday, signed by the acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the operations led to the recovery of over 62,000 litres of stolen crude oil and more than 5,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
“The operations yielded notable successes across the South-South region,” the statement read.
In Bayelsa and Rivers states, troops intensified their presence at hotspots including Adibawa Oando Wellhead, Gbarain-Zarama Road, and Okrika Creek.
These efforts led to the seizure of crude siphoning equipment, thousands of litres of stolen oil, and the arrest of suspects involved in illegal refining.
At the Adibawa Oando Wellhead, troops deactivated four illegal sites and confiscated over 35,000 litres of stolen crude oil.
In Rivers State, six artisanal refineries were dismantled and 1,100 sacks containing over 22,000 litres of petroleum products were recovered.
“Acting on human intelligence, troops recovered a wooden boat laden with stolen crude oil believed to have been siphoned from the NNPC Jetty,” Danjuma added.
The operations also extended to Delta and Akwa Ibom states. In Delta, troops raided a suspected kidnappers’ hideout in Asaba and Iselle Azagba, arresting two suspects and seizing a cache of weapons and charms.
In Warri South, another illegal refining site was dismantled. Meanwhile, in Akwa Ibom, troops maintained a strong presence to deny criminals freedom of movement.
Commending the efforts, General Officer Commanding the 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, stated, “The welfare of our troops remains a priority,” and urged continued momentum in combating economic sabotage and insecurity across the region.
