Army Sustains Crackdown on Oil Thieves, Shuts Down 7 Illegal Refineries in Niger Delta
Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, have intensified operations against oil theft in the Niger Delta, deactivating seven illegal refineries and recovering more than 109,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.
In a statement issued on November 24, 2025, Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, said the operations—conducted between November 10 and 23—were carried out in collaboration with other security agencies.
He said four suspects were arrested, while troops recovered over 88,000 litres of stolen crude oil and 21,355 litres of illegally refined AGO, valued at more than ₦150 million.
In Rivers State, operations in Okolomade, Ahoada West LGA, led to the dismantling of three illegal refining sites, with over 40,000 litres of crude oil and 20,000 litres of AGO seized. Around the Imo River in Oyigbo LGA, troops uncovered three more illegal sites and recovered 14,700 litres of stolen crude.
Troops also raided a compound in Abuloma, Okrika LGA, where 1,050 sacks containing over 32,000 litres of stolen crude were found. At Abonnema Creek in Akuku-Toru LGA, soldiers intercepted a Cotonou boat carrying more than 1,000 litres of AGO.
In Akwa Ibom, security personnel recovered over 520 litres of illegally refined AGO during a raid in Abak LGA. Operations in Delta and Bayelsa states also disrupted illegal activities, with suspects fleeing into creeks as troops advanced.
Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, GOC 6 Division, commended the troops and urged Niger Delta residents to support ongoing efforts by providing credible intelligence to help curb economic sabotage.
