Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, have intensified their crackdown on illegal oil bunkering, destroying 13 illegal refineries and recovering over 30,000 litres of stolen petroleum products across the Niger Delta. The operations also led to the arrest of 15 suspected oil thieves, demobilisation of four boats, and deactivation of 150 locally made ovens. Among key discoveries was a vandalised point in Ugo, Edo State, with 252,000 litres of stolen crude oil and equipment such as pumping machines and hoses.
In Delta State, troops intercepted a 30,000-litre tanker truck siphoning crude oil from a pipeline in Ovade, Ethiope West LGA, while recovering 15,000 litres of stolen crude. Similarly, over 10,000 litres of stolen products were confiscated during operations in Rivers State, with troops dismantling illegal refining sites in Lekuma, Abiama, and Oyigbo. A camp in Owaza, ONELGA, was also raided, leading to the recovery of a pump-action gun and other equipment.
Troops extended the operation to other areas, dismantling illegal refining clusters in ONELGA, Asari-Toru LGA, and Abua Odual LGA, recovering large quantities of refined products, cooking drums, and jerricans. In Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and other states, additional refining sites were neutralized, with over 5,000 litres of crude and refined products confiscated. These actions highlight the Army's renewed efforts to combat economic sabotage in the region.
Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Eric Emekah, General Officer Commanding 6 Division, reiterated the Army’s resolve to end the activities of oil thieves and economic saboteurs. He urged perpetrators to abandon illegal activities and embrace legitimate livelihoods, warning that intensified operations would leave no room for criminal elements to thrive.
