Troops Dismantle 14 Illegal Refineries, Arrest 43 Suspected Oil Thieves In Niger Delta.
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division have recorded a major success in the fight against illegal oil bunkering, arresting 43 suspected oil thieves and dismantling 14 illegal refineries across Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers states.
Speaking in Port Harcourt on Sunday, the division’s spokesman, Lt.-Col. Danjuma Danjuma, revealed that the coordinated operation, carried out between 31 March and 6 April 2025, also led to the seizure of 14 boats and the confiscation of approximately 254,000 litres of various stolen petroleum products.
In Delta State, soldiers raided the Old Ogorode community in Sapele, where they intercepted a bus loaded with 90,000 litres of petroleum products. Further recoveries included 74,107 drums containing 16,600 litres of petroleum products and 1,600 litres of illegally refined engine oil. Additional equipment seized comprised a tank filled with over 20,000 litres of stolen products, another empty 5,000-litre tank, eight pumping machines, and two generators. Two suspects were arrested during this operation.
In a separate incident in Amukpe, Sapele, troops intercepted a truck transporting 56 drums containing 13,400 litres of stolen crude oil, leading to the arrest of three more suspects.
In Rivers State, soldiers dismantled multiple illegal refining sites across Andoni, Ahoada West, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Akuku-Toru, and Degema Local Government Areas. Approximately 83,000 litres of stolen crude oil and 3,200 litres of illegally refined petroleum products were recovered. These products were discovered stored in over 80 cooking pots and ovens, sacks, metal receivers, iron pipes, and a reservoir pit.
In Bayelsa State, the troops destroyed four illegal refineries located in Yenagoa and Ekeremor Local Government Areas, seizing 13,500 litres of stolen crude oil. The operation also saw the dismantling of nine cooking drums and receivers, 11 ovens, four drums, and a dug-out reservoir.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Major-General Emmanuel Emekah, praised the troops for their successful efforts and reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to combating illegal oil bunkering. He called on community leaders and stakeholders to support ongoing efforts aimed at protecting national resources.
“These operations are part of a broader strategy to enhance Nigeria’s oil and gas production, safeguard the environment, and boost the nation’s economy,” Danjuma concluded.
The army’s continued offensive against illegal oil operations underscores its determination to restore order and accountability in the country’s petroleum sector.
