By Victor Akaa.
In a significant crackdown on oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta Region, troops have achieved a major breakthrough, dismantling 21 illegal refining sites and recovering over 591,000 litres of stolen products between April 28 and May 11, 2025.
According to the Division’s Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Sunday said the operations which was conducted in synergy with other security agencies, resulted in the arrest of 36 suspected oil thieves.
He noted that the troops’ operations spanned across Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Delta states, with notable successes recorded in each location.
According to him, in Rivers State, a massive illegal bunkering hub was discovered in the Orashi Game Reserve/Okolomade area, with a 15-kilometre hose connected to an illegal loading point.
He explained that five illegal refining sites were dismantled, and a large metal tank loaded with over 350,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO) was recovered.
The statement further claimed that the operations led to the destruction of seven illegal refining sites along the Imo River, confiscation of 1,428 bags of stolen crude, and demobilization of five boats used for illicit activities.
Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma averred that a truck loaded with 20,000 litres of stolen products was intercepted in Eleme LGA, while a Pureputt boat filled with over 10,000 litres of stolen products was discovered in Bonny LGA.
In Bayelsa State, a DAF XF380 Tanker truck loaded with 45,000 litres of stolen AGO was intercepted, and three suspected oil thieves were apprehended.
Similarly, in Akwa Ibom State, a Tanker truck suspected to be conveying over 16,500 litres of stolen crude was intercepted.
The General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, has been visiting troops locations across the region, boosting morale and redefining operational engagements.
The statement noted that all the suspects arrested have been handed over to the relevant agency for prosecution, while seizures made were handled in line with the operational mandate.
