Nigerian Army Cracks Down On Oil Theft: Arrests, Seizures, And Illegal Refinery Busts Across Niger Delta

The Nigerian Army Steps Up Against Oil Thieves in the Niger Delta

Listen up, folks. The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has been doubling down on its fight against crude oil theft. In a major operation spanning just six days, they've arrested 39 suspected oil thieves and shut down 18 illegal refining sites across the Niger Delta. This isn't just a small victory—it's a significant step toward securing the region and stopping the illegal trade that's been plaguing it for far too long.

Naija News has learned that this operation wasn't a solo mission. It was a collaborative effort with other security agencies, and the results speak for themselves. Troops confiscated over 60,000 liters of stolen petroleum products. That's enough to fill up a small fleet of trucks, folks. Imagine the impact this kind of theft has on the nation's economy and environment.

The Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 6 Division, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, confirmed the news in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Monday. This isn't just about arrests and seizures; it's about sending a clear message that illegal oil activities won't be tolerated anymore.

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What the Statement Said

Here's a snippet from the official statement: “Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army have arrested 39 suspected oil thieves and dismantled 18 illegal refining sites in the ongoing crackdown against Crude Oil Theft as well as other associated crimes conducted in the Niger Delta Region.”

And there's more: “This was from 24th to 30th March 2025. The operations which were conducted across the Joint Operations Area with sister agencies, led to the confiscation of over 60,000 litres of stolen products and other items recovered.”

Let that sink in for a moment. This wasn't just about catching a few bad guys; it was about dismantling an entire network of illegal operations. The impact of this operation will be felt across the region, and hopefully, it will deter others from engaging in such activities.

Rivers State: A Hotspot for Illegal Operations

In Rivers State, the troops didn't hold back. They intercepted a fabricated twin tank loaded with 18,000 liters of stolen products along Ochokocho Road in Etche Local Government Area. That's a massive amount of stolen oil, folks. And if that wasn't enough, they also discovered a MAN Diesel container truck (Reg. LXA 44 XA) trying to smuggle stolen petroleum products hidden under bags of sawdust. The suspects reportedly fled when they saw the troops approaching, but the evidence was clear.

But it didn't stop there. The crackdown extended to the Imo River, where several illegal refining sites were dismantled, and over 15,000 liters of stolen crude were recovered. In Ahoada East LGA, two illegal refining sites containing more than 2,800 liters of stolen products were seized. And in Ebocha, Omoku, and Jelikri Creek in Degema LGA, the troops destroyed multiple refining sites, drum ovens, hoses, and metal pipes. This was a comprehensive effort to dismantle the entire illegal refining infrastructure in the area.

Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom: Extending the Crackdown

In Bayelsa State, the troops uncovered and dismantled illegal refining operations in Yenagoa and Southern Ijaw LGAs. Around Adibawa in Yenagoa LGA, they found two illegal refining sites containing drums and cooking ovens with over 8,000 liters of stolen crude in drums and sacks. At Okighene in Southern Ijaw LGA, one illegal refining site with over 1,500 liters of crude oil and 300 liters of illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil was recovered. These numbers are staggering, and they highlight the scale of the problem the Army is tackling.

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Delta State wasn't spared either. Troops raided illegal refining sites in Warri South LGA, particularly at Egbokodo Itsekiri Community. They confiscated jerricans filled with illegally refined AGO and destroyed cellophane bags used in the illicit trade. This shows that the illegal refining operations weren't confined to one area; they were widespread, and the Army's efforts were crucial in addressing this issue.

In Akwa Ibom State, the troops have intensified their surveillance, making it difficult for oil thieves to continue their activities. This is a significant development, as it means the crackdown isn't just a one-time operation but an ongoing effort to secure the region.

General Emmanue Emekah Issues a Warning

Major General Emmanue Emekah, the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, has given clear instructions to the troops. He wants them to intensify their efforts in dismantling illegal refining operations. But it's not just about dismantling; it's about maintaining a secure environment that allows legitimate oil exploration activities to thrive. This is crucial for the nation's economy, and the Army is playing a vital role in ensuring that happens.

Emekah also issued a stern warning to those involved in illegal refining. He urged them to seek lawful means of livelihood or face the full weight of the law. This isn't just about catching the bad guys; it's about giving people in the region an opportunity to engage in legal and productive activities that benefit everyone.