Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, have intensified their crackdown on oil theft in the Niger Delta, confiscating over 70,000 litres of stolen petroleum products and dismantling multiple illegal refining operations.
The operation, carried out in collaboration with other security agencies between January 27 and February 2, 2025, led to the destruction of 12 illegal refining sites and the arrest of 16 suspected oil thieves, according to Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah.
He added that six boats used for illegal activities were also demobilized.
During the operation, troops intercepted nine vandalized pipelines and seized various tools used for illegal oil bunkering.
In Rivers State, two suction trucks carrying 12,000 litres of stolen crude each were seized along the Igwuruta-Airport road in Ikwerre Local Government Area.
A scrap yard, discovered to be a storage facility for stolen petroleum products, was raided, with over 10,000 litres of stolen fuel confiscated.
In the Imo River area, troops dismantled three illegal refining sites, destroying 43 cooking drums and 23 receivers.
A locally fabricated double-barrel gun, believed to have been abandoned by fleeing oil thieves, was also recovered.
In Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA), four illegal refining sites were shut down, along with 86 locally made ovens.
A dugout pit containing over 7,200 litres of stolen crude and 2,700 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) was discovered.
Further along the Ndoni waterside, troops uncovered 102 sacks filled with over 5,100 litres of stolen AGO and premium motor spirit, while at Agah, 35 sacks containing over 2,100 litres of illegally refined AGO were seized.
In Omoku, two suspects were arrested with 14 sacks of condensates stored in their residence.
Operations extended to Delta State, where troops intercepted an abandoned wooden boat carrying 3,160 litres of stolen crude.
In Bayelsa State, security forces arrested a suspect found with over 1,100 litres of illegally refined AGO.
Commending the troops for their efforts, the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, urged them to maintain professionalism and discipline in their operations.
