Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, have arrested 39 suspected oil thieves and dismantled 18 illegal refining sites in a continued effort to curb crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region.
The operation, carried out between March 24 and 30, 2025, was conducted in collaboration with other security agencies.
According to Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the operation led to the confiscation of over 60,000 litres of stolen petroleum products and the destruction of illegal refining infrastructure across several states.
In Rivers State, security forces intercepted a fabricated twin tank containing 18,000 litres of stolen crude along Ochokocho Road in Etche Local Government Area.
A MAN Diesel container truck, with registration number LXA 44 XA, was also seized while attempting to smuggle stolen petroleum products concealed under sawdust.
The suspects abandoned the vehicle and fled on sighting security operatives.
Further operations along the Imo River led to the dismantling of multiple illegal refining sites, with over 15,000 litres of stolen petroleum products recovered.
Additionally, in Rumuekpe Forest, Ahoada East LGA, troops destroyed two refining sites and confiscated 2,800 litres of stolen crude oil.
READ ALSO: NAF destroys 13 illegal refining sites, 7 boats in Rivers operations
In Bayelsa State, troops dismantled two illegal refining sites in Yenagoa LGA, where over 8,000 litres of stolen crude stored in drums and sacks were discovered.
Another operation in Southern Ijaw LGA led to the recovery of 1,500 litres of crude oil and 300 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
In Delta State, troops raided Egbokodo Itsekiri Community in Warri South LGA, seizing several jerricans filled with illegally refined AGO and destroying storage materials used in illicit refining.
Meanwhile, in Akwa Ibom State, the army reinforced its presence to prevent criminal activities, stating that troops had “dominated the operational landscape,” ensuring that oil thieves could not operate freely.
General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, reaffirmed the army’s commitment to eradicating crude oil theft, warning perpetrators to desist or face the full consequences of the law.
“Our troops will continue to hunt down oil thieves and ensure Nigeria’s resources are protected,” he said.
The Nigerian Army urged residents to report suspicious activities, emphasizing that security forces remain committed to curbing crude oil theft and related crimes in the Niger Delta.