Troops of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, have arrested 14 suspected oil Thieves and dismantled 14 illegal refining hubs between October 20 and November 9, 2025.
In a statement released on Monday, by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Lt Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the division disclosed that the operations also resulted in the confiscation of over 20,205 litres of stolen petroleum products across multiple states.
In Rivers State, troops deactivated six illegal refining sites along the Imo River, destroying 14 drum pots, nine drum receivers, and seizing more than 8,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.
The sites were uncovered around Asa, Okonta, and Okoloma in Oyigbo Local Government Area, as well as Obuzor in Ukwa West LGA, Abia State.
Additionally, at the abandoned Wellhead 3 near a remote manifold axis, troops seized 42 sacks containing 1,250 litres of stolen crude oil. Similar recoveries were made during operations in Ozochi Community in Ahoada East LGA and Angalama Community in Asari-Toru LGA.
In Delta State, troops intercepted and arrested three suspected oil thieves in Eruemukohwarien, Ughelli North LGA, where they recovered over 4,000 litres of condensate and impounded a J5 bus and a motorcycle used for transporting stolen products.
Another illegal refining site was uncovered in Bipoko Community, Warri South LGA, featuring an active cooking oven and 38 sacks containing 1,140 litres of crude oil.
Also, in Akwa Ibom State, acting on credible intelligence, troops intercepted a truck illegally transloading Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) from an underground storage facility at Olive Field Filling Station along the Uyo–Ikot Ekpene Road in Ikot Ekpene LGA. The vehicle was found to be loaded with 3,287 litres of adulterated diesel.
Similarly, in Bayelsa State, troops continued aggressive operations against economic saboteurs, making several recoveries while ensuring that all suspects and seized items were processed in accordance with operational mandates.
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Commending the troops for their achievements, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, lauded their professionalism and resilience in curbing the menace of oil theft.
He urged them to sustain the operational tempo and ensure that criminal networks in the region are completely dismantled.
“The Army remains resolute in protecting Nigeria’s critical economic infrastructure and will not relent in the fight against those sabotaging the nation’s resources,” General Emekah stated.
The latest operation underscores the Nigerian Army’s renewed drive to combat illegal oil bunkering, crude theft, and other forms of economic sabotage threatening national development.
