Nigerian Army 6 Division Crushes 11 Illegal Refineries, Arrests 50 Oil Thieves in Niger Delta
Between June 30 and July 13, 2025, the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division, in collaboration with other security agencies, dismantled 11 illegal refineries and arrested 50 suspected oil thieves across Rivers, Abia, Delta, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom states in the Niger Delta.
The operations also led to the confiscation of 25,000 litres of stolen petroleum products and the discovery of multiple illegal pipeline connections used for oil theft, significantly disrupting economic sabotage in the region.
In Rivers State, troops targeted illegal bunkering hubs, dismantling several refining sites. Along the Imo River in Ukwa West and Ozaa West, seven illegal refining sites were destroyed, with 35 drum pots, 14 drum receivers, three large coolants, and over 6,000 litres of crude oil recovered.
At Obiafor in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, an illegal refining site was deactivated, yielding 3,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 2,000 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), and 1,000 litres of crude oil, alongside a reservoir with 3,000 litres of chemicals, a 300-meter plastic hose, and 14 metal drums.
Three suspects were apprehended, and numerous holding facilities were dismantled in Okarki Forest, Ahoada West LGA.
In Delta State, operations along Jeddo waterways in Warri South LGA resulted in the seizure of one speedboat and a wooden boat carrying 86 sacks with over 1,720 litres of stolen products. At Obiaruku Community in Ukwuani LGA, troops raided a store, uncovering 24 jerricans containing 25 litres of illegally refined AGO.
A wooden boat stocked with stolen products was also intercepted at Ugbokodo creek in Warri South LGA.
In Bayelsa State, efforts focused on curbing oil theft, with troops seizing a wheelbarrow and a 70-kg gas cylinder at Ikarama in Yenagoa LGA, equipment intended for pipeline vandalism.
At Angiama Community in Southern Ijaw LGA, several litres of stolen products were confiscated, and suspects were taken into custody. In Akwa Ibom State, a warehouse raid in Ukanafun LGA uncovered 15 jerricans filled with illegally refined AGO.
Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, stated: “The latest operations led to the dismantling of 11 illegal refining sites, arresting of 50 suspected oil thieves, confiscating 25,000 litres of stolen products, and the discovery of several compromised illegal connection points.
The operations were conducted at different fronts with other security agencies between 30 June and 13 July 2025.” He emphasized that troops continue to dominate the Niger Delta’s waterways and hinterlands, denying criminals freedom of action and fostering an environment for legitimate oil exploration to thrive.
