PORT HARCOURT, NIGERIA – Nigerian Army troops operating in the Niger Delta Region (NDR) have significantly stepped up their efforts against oil theft and pipeline vandalism, leading to the arrest of 62 suspects and the confiscation of over 350,000 litres of stolen petroleum products. These operations, conducted between July 14 and 20, 2025, involved collaboration with other security agencies across Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom states.
According to a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, the sustained crackdown has resulted in the deactivation of fourteen illegal refining sites and the seizure of five boats in the joint operation area.
In Rivers State, troops deactivated six illegal refining sites around an abandoned wellhead at Joinkrama 4 in Ahoada West Local Government Area (LGA). This operation led to the handling of approximately 300,000 litres of stolen crude oil and 21,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) found in six large ovens, reservoirs, and receivers. Additionally, in the Obiafor area of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA (ONELGA), several illegal refining sites were dismantled, revealing dug-out pits containing over 5,700 litres of stolen crude and unquantified stolen AGO. Two boats laden with ten sacks of condensates were also intercepted at the riverside. In Elele Town, Ikwerre LGA, a vehicle carrying 32 sacks of over 1,920 litres of stolen AGO was intercepted, and an illegal connection point with 1,200 litres of condensates was discovered.
Further operations in Bayelsa State, around Biseni in Yenagoa LGA, saw troops deactivate four illegal refining sites and four dug-out pits, confiscating over 10,000 litres of stolen AGO.
In Delta State, two suspected oil thieves were apprehended near Javel Sharp Sand Waterside in Sapele LGA, found with two boats loaded with 30 cellophane bags containing over 1,500 litres of illegally refined AGO. Meanwhile, troops in Akwa Ibom State continue to maintain a dominant presence, limiting criminal activity.
Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Nigerian Army, commended the troops for their successes and urged them to maintain the operational tempo against economic saboteurs.
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