The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has recorded a significant milestone in the fight against oil theft and illegal refining in the Niger Delta region. In a series of coordinated operations, the division successfully dismantled 13 illegal refining sites, seized over 300,000 liters of stolen crude oil, and arrested 15 suspects involved in oil theft activities. These operations represent a renewed effort by the military to safeguard Nigeria’s natural resources and combat economic sabotage.
This announcement was made by Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Jonah Danjuma, through an official statement released in Port Harcourt on Sunday, January 26, 2025. The operations were conducted across several states, including Rivers, Delta, Edo, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom, between January 20 and January 26, 2025.
The statement read: “Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, have intensified efforts against oil theft, achieving significant progress across the joint operations area. Notable successes include the dismantling of 13 illegal refining hubs, demobilization of four boats used for crude oil transportation, the arrest of 15 suspects, the deactivation of over 150 locally fabricated ovens, and the recovery of more than 300,000 liters of stolen crude oil.”
State-by-State Breakdown of Operations:
Edo State: Troops uncovered a vandalized site in Ugo Community, Orhionmwon LGA, containing approximately 252,000 liters of stolen crude oil. Equipment found at the site included a pumping machine, pipes, and hoses used for illegal operations.
Delta State: A 30,000-liter capacity tanker truck, operating without a license plate, was intercepted while attempting to siphon crude oil from a pipeline in Ethiope West LGA. Troops halted the operation after 15,000 liters of crude oil had already been stolen.
Rivers State: In a series of operations along the Imo River corridor, 10,000 liters of stolen petroleum products were recovered from Lekuma, Abiama, and Oyigbo. Troops also uncovered an active refining site near Owaza, recovering a pump-action rifle abandoned by fleeing criminals. In the Obiafu Oil Field, three illegal refining sites were dismantled, and items such as cooking drums, reservoirs, and hoses were seized. Additionally, over 1,500 liters of illegally refined AGO and DPK were confiscated in Abalama Community.
Bayelsa State: Two illegal refining sites were destroyed in the Isonogbene area of Brass LGA, with troops recovering more than 5,000 liters of stolen crude oil during the operation.
Akwa Ibom State: Troops raided an AGO storage facility in Ikot Abia, Ikot Ekpene LGA. During the operation, they recovered 30 polythene bags of stolen AGO alongside several empty jerrycans, indicating preparations for large-scale illegal distribution.
Commendation and a Clear Warning:
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, commended the troops for their unwavering commitment to eradicating oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the region. He expressed gratitude for their dedication and professionalism, which have yielded remarkable results in curbing illegal activities.
Addressing the perpetrators, Major General Emekah issued a stern warning: “The days of masquerading as economic saboteurs are numbered. Embrace legitimate livelihoods or prepare to face renewed military onslaught.”
This large-scale operation highlights the Nigerian Army’s determination to secure the country’s resources and ensure the sustainability of its economy. The 6 Division has reaffirmed its readiness to intensify its efforts in safeguarding Nigeria’s oil assets and preventing criminal activities that undermine the nation’s economic growth.