The Nigerian Army’s 6 Division has arrested 43 suspected oil thieves and seized over 254,000 litres of stolen products following a six-day joint operation in the Niger Delta region.
The operation, which took place between March 31 and April 6, 2025, was conducted in collaboration with other security agencies.
Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah, Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, confirmed the developments in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Sunday. Jonah stated that the operation led to significant progress, including the deactivation of 14 illegal refineries and the destruction of 14 boats used for illegal activities. He explained that the operation was part of the ongoing efforts to combat oil theft and other criminal activities in the region.
The statement reads, “In a reinvigorated onslaught against the criminal enterprise of oil thieves and associated crimes across the Joint Operations Area (JOA), the troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army have sustained the pressure on the economic saboteurs in the Niger Delta Region. In multiple operations conducted with other security agencies across the JOA from 31 March – 6 April 2025, troops have recorded significant operational strides. These breakthroughs resulted in the arrest of 43 suspected oil thieves and associated crimes, deactivation of 14 artisanal refineries, demobilization of 14 boats used for economic sabotage, with several vehicles intercepted and over 254,000 litres of stolen products confiscated across the NDR.”
One of the major breakthroughs occurred in Delta State, where troops uncovered a large illegal bunkering site in Old Ogorode, located in Sapele Local Government Area. At the site, several items were recovered, including a Ford bus loaded with 9 drums containing 90,000 litres of stolen products, 74 drums with 14,800 litres of crude oil, and a tank holding over 20,000 litres of stolen crude. Additionally, troops seized nine drums containing 1,800 litres of stolen products, eight drums filled with illegally refined engine oil (estimated at over 1,600 litres), and other equipment such as generators and pumping machines. Two suspects were also arrested at the site.
The statement continued, “Additionally, troops also intercepted a Volvo Canter truck with Registration Number Bauchi KTG 166 XC conveying 56 drums of stolen crude oil estimated to be 13,400 litres at Amukpe in Sapele LGA. Three suspects have been taken into custody in connection to the seizures. Also, at Ughelli North LGA, a mini tanker conveying 11,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO) was intercepted.”
In a separate operation at Amukpe in Sapele LGA, troops intercepted a Volvo Canter truck carrying 56 drums of stolen crude oil, estimated at 13,400 litres. Three suspects were arrested in connection with the seizure. Meanwhile, in Ughelli North LGA, a mini tanker transporting 11,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO) was also intercepted.
The statement further stated, “In Rivers State, within the Ataba area of Andoni Local Government, troops took down several illegal refining camps. The operation led to the recovery of equipment such as pots and receivers, along with more than 80,000 litres of stolen crude oil. The suspected oil thieves fled on sighting troops. At Ogale junction in Eleme LGA, troops intercepted over 80 sacks filled with 3,200 litres of stolen products.”
Further raids were carried out in Okarki Forest, Ahoada West LGA, where a large cooking oven containing over 3,000 litres of stolen crude oil was seized, along with other materials such as iron pipes and metal receivers. In other parts of Rivers, vehicles carrying unspecified amounts of stolen products were intercepted, and suspects were arrested in Akuku-Toru LGA, ONELGA, and Degema LGA.
The statement added, “Similarly, the ongoing clearance operations at the fringes of the Imo River is progressing with the desired results. Meanwhile, in Bayelsa State, around Okordia Community in Yenagoa LGA, troops dismantled an illegal refining site with three ovens, four refining drums, receivers with dug-out pits filled with over 8,000 litres of stolen crude.”
The statement continued, “Furthermore, at Taylor Creek in Biseni, also in YELGA, two illegal refining sites with 8 mini ovens, 7 refining drums, receivers filled with over 5,500 litres of stolen crude were handled. While at Clough Creek inand Ekeremor, an illegal refining site with metal drums and ovens were dismantled accordingly.”
The operation is also taking place in Akwa Ibom State, with the economic saboteurs and associated criminals denied freedom of action. All the suspects arrested have been handed over to relevant agencies, while seizures made were handled in accordance with the subsisting operational mandate in the Joint Operations Area.
Major General Emmanuel Emekah, the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, commended the troops for their efforts, acknowledging the impact of the operation on curbing illegal activities in the region. He stressed the importance of continued collaboration among key stakeholders to eliminate economic saboteurs and enhance oil and gas production, which would contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.
