Troops dismantle 13 illegal refineries, arrest 15 suspects in Niger Delta

The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has successfully dismantled 13 illegal refining sites, recovered 300,000 liters of stolen crude oil, and apprehended 15 suspected oil thieves in a major operation targeting oil theft in the Niger Delta.

Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Jonah Danjuma, disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Sunday, noting that the operations spanned Rivers, Delta, Edo, and Akwa Ibom states from January 20 to 26, 2025.

According to the statement, “Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, have intensified efforts against oil theft, achieving notable successes across the joint operations area. These include dismantling 13 illegal refining hubs, demobilizing four boats, arresting 15 suspects, deactivating over 150 locally-made ovens, and recovering over 300,000 liters of stolen crude oil.”

State-by-State Operations:

• Edo State: Troops discovered a vandalized site in Ugo Community, Orhionmwon LGA, containing 252,000 liters of stolen crude oil alongside a pumping machine, hoses, and pipes.
• Delta State: A 30,000-liter capacity tanker truck, without a license plate, was intercepted while siphoning crude oil from a pipeline in Ethiope West LGA. Troops halted the operation after 15,000 liters had been stolen.
• Rivers State: Along the Imo River corridor, 10,000 liters of stolen products were seized in Lekuma, Abiama, and Oyigbo. Troops also uncovered an active refining site near Owaza, recovering a pump-action rifle abandoned by fleeing criminals. At Obiafu Oil Field, three illegal refining sites were dismantled, containing cooking drums, reservoirs, and hoses. Meanwhile, in Abalama Community, troops seized over 1,500 liters of illegally refined AGO and DPK.
• Bayelsa State: Two illegal refining sites were dismantled in the Isonogbene area of Brass LGA, with troops recovering over 5,000 liters of stolen crude oil.
• Akwa Ibom State: Troops raided an AGO storage facility in Ikot Abia, Ikot Ekpene LGA, recovering 30 polythene bags of stolen AGO and numerous empty jerrycans.

Commendation and Warning:

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, praised the troops for their dedication to combating oil theft and pipeline vandalism. He issued a stern warning to criminal elements, stating, “The days of masquerading as economic saboteurs are numbered. Embrace legitimate livelihoods or prepare to face renewed military onslaught.”

This operation highlights the Army’s commitment to curbing oil theft and ensuring the security of Nigeria’s resources.