Army Nabs 14 Oil Thieves, Destroys Illegal Refineries Across Niger Delta

Army Nabs 14 Oil Thieves, Destroys Illegal Refineries Across Niger Delta

NigerDelta Voice Reporters 

The Nigerian Army, 6 Division, has intensified its cla2mpdown on oil theft and illegal refining in the Niger Delta, arresting 14 suspects and seizing over 20,000 litres of stolen petroleum products in a series of coordinated operations.

In a statement released on Monday, November 10, by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Danjuma, the operations were carried out between October 20 and November 9, 2025, across Rivers1, Delta, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom States.

According to the statement, troops dismantled 14 illegal refining sites and confiscated 20,205 litres of illegally refined petroleum products and crude oil during the raids.

“In several operations conducted across the region, the Division recorded remarkable gains, resulting in the dismantling of 14 illegal refining hubs, the arrest of 14 suspected oil thieves, and the seizure of over 20,000 litres of stolen products,” the statement read.

In Rivers State, troops operating around the Imo River axis destroyed six illegal refining sites and seized over 8,000 litres of stolen products, along with several drum pots and receivers. Major recoveries were recorded in Asa, Okonta, and Okoloma in Oyigbo LGA, as well as Obuzor in Ukwa West LGA of Abia State, where 42 sacks containing 1,250 litres of stolen crude were also recovered.

In Delta State, soldiers raided Eruemukohwarien in Ughelli North LGA, arresting three suspects and seizing a J5 bus, a motorcycle, and more than 4,000 litres of condensate. Another operation in Bipoko Community, Warri South LGA, led to the destruction of an active illegal refining site with a large cooking oven and 38 sacks of stolen crude oil.

Similarly, in Akwa Ibom State, troops intercepted a truck transloading illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil from an underground tank at Olive Field Filling Station along the Uyo–Ikot Ekpene Road.

In Bayelsa State, soldiers maintained pressure on oil theft syndicates, ensuring the arrest and processing of suspects in line with operational procedures.

Commending the troops, the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, lauded their dedication and urged continued collaboration with other security agencies to sustain the fight against oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and illegal refining in the Niger Delta.

He emphasized that the Division would not relent until economic saboteurs are completely rooted out from the region.