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By Tracy Moses
In a sustained crackdown on crude oil theft and related crimes in the Niger Delta region, troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, have arrested 39 suspected oil thieves and dismantled 18 illegal refining sites between March 24 and 30, 2025.
The operations, conducted in collaboration with sister security agencies across the joint operations area, led to the recovery and confiscation of over 60,000 litres of stolen petroleum products and other illicit materials.
According to a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of the 6 Division Army Public Relations, the operations in Rivers State resulted in the interception of an inbuilt fabricated twin tank loaded with 18,000 litres of stolen crude along Ochokocho Road in Etche Local Government Area (LGA).
Lt. Col. Danjuma further disclosed that a MAN Diesel container truck with registration number LXA 44 XA, concealed with bags of sawdust and transporting an unquantified volume of stolen products, was also intercepted. However, the suspects fled upon sighting the troops.
Highlighting successes recorded in other parts of the Niger Delta, the statement added:
“Along the Imo River, anti-crude oil theft (COT) operations resulted in the destruction of several illegal refining sites, drum pots, and receivers, with over 15,000 litres of stolen products recovered.
“In Ahoada East LGA, Rivers State, two illegal refining sites around Rumuekpe Forest were dismantled, leading to the confiscation of over 2,800 litres of stolen petroleum products.
“Additional seizures were made in Ebocha and Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA. Troops also targeted oil thieves at Jelikri Creek in Degema LGA, dismantling several illegal refining sites and destroying drum ovens, receivers, hoses, and metal pipes.
“In Bayelsa State, operations yielded significant results. At Adibawa in Yenagoa LGA, troops uncovered two illegal refining sites containing drums and cooking ovens, with over 8,000 litres of stolen crude stored in sacks and containers.
“At Okighene in Southern Ijaw LGA, one illegal refining site was discovered with over 1,500 litres of crude oil and 300 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
“In Delta State, ongoing operations at Egbokodo Itsekiri Community in Warri South LGA led to the confiscation of numerous jerricans filled with illegally refined AGO and the destruction of several cellophane bags used for illicit refining.
“Meanwhile, in Akwa Ibom State, troops have intensified patrols, maintaining a firm grip on operational areas and denying criminals the freedom to operate.”
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, has directed troops to intensify their crackdown on oil thieves to sustain a secure environment for oil exploration and economic activities.
He also warned individuals involved in crude oil theft to abandon the illicit trade and seek legitimate means of livelihood or face the full force of the law.