The Nigerian Army’s 6 Division has announced the destruction of eight illegal refineries and the arrest of several suspects involved in crude oil theft across parts of the Niger Delta region. Troops also recovered about 18,000 litres of stolen crude oil and deactivated several pieces of equipment used by the criminals, including drums, pipes, receivers, and ovens.
The Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the division, Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah, disclosed this in a statement released on Sunday evening in Port Harcourt.
According to him, the operation — which lasted two weeks and covered parts of Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa States — was carried out using both “kinetic and non-kinetic” approaches to curb oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and other related crimes in the region.
“In our ongoing efforts to end oil theft and associated crimes in the Niger Delta, troops of the 6 Division have intensified both kinetic and non-kinetic operations,” Jonah said. “This led to the destruction of eight illegal refineries, the arrest of multiple suspects, and the confiscation of over 18,000 litres of stolen crude oil.”
He explained that the operations, which took place between September 21 and October 5, 2025, were carried out in collaboration with other security agencies and aimed at restoring safety and encouraging legitimate economic activities in the region.
Operations Across the States
In Rivers State, troops stormed a newly constructed illegal refinery at Joinkrama 4 in Ahoada West Local Government Area, dismantling equipment such as receivers, ovens, and pipes. They also recovered over 3,500 litres of stolen crude oil.
Acting on intelligence, soldiers intercepted a red Mercedes-Benz vacuum truck with registration number AHD 925 XA along Aba Road, Oyigbo LGA. The truck, which was carrying over 3,200 litres of stolen crude oil, was abandoned by its driver, who fled upon sighting the troops.
In another operation along the fringes of the Imo River, troops destroyed another illegal refining site containing three drum pots, two drum receivers, and over 2,000 litres of stolen crude oil stored in sacks. More illegal activities were uncovered in Odogwa (Etche LGA), Obeama Uzomiri Waterside (Oyigbo LGA), and the Obiafor Oil Field (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA).
In Akwa Ibom State, troops intercepted two Toyota Camry cars — with registration numbers ANA 495 CK and AKD 233 EQ — loaded with 120 nylon bags containing about 3,600 litres of illegally refined diesel (AGO) along Ikot Okoro, Abak LGA. Two suspects were arrested in connection with the operation.
Meanwhile, in Bayelsa State, troops discovered over 950 litres of stolen petroleum products hidden in an abandoned building on Kemezia Road, Biseni community, Yenagoa LGA.
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The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, praised the troops for their resilience and dedication.
He urged those involved in illegal oil activities to desist and embrace legitimate means of livelihood.
“We will not tolerate any form of economic sabotage in the Niger Delta,” Emekah warned. “Under my watch, our forests will remain green, and our waters will stay blue. Anyone caught sabotaging our economy will face the full weight of the law.”
