Troops crack down on oil theft, deactivate illegal refining hubs in Niger Delta
Troops crack down on oil theft, deactivate illegal refining hubs in Niger Delta
Abdullateef Fowewe
Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, have intensified operations against oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta Region, successfully shutting down eight illegal artisanal refineries and confiscating over 18,000 litres of stolen crude oil between September 21 and October 5, 2025.
A statement on Sunday by the Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma noted that military, operating jointly with other security agencies, arrested several suspected oil thieves, aiming to restore safety and promote legitimate socio-economic activities in the region.
In Rivers State, a newly constructed illegal refinery at Joinkrama 4 in Ahoada West LGA was dismantled, with ovens, drums, pipes, and more than 3,500 litres of stolen crude oil destroyed.
Acting on intelligence, troops intercepted a Mercedes-Benz vacuum truck carrying over 3,200 litres of stolen crude on Aba Road in Oyigbo LGA, leading to the driver fleeing the scene.
Similar seizures were made along Imo River, Odogwa in Etche LGA, Obeama Uzomiri Waterside in Oyigbo LGA, and Obiafor Oil Field in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA.
In Akwa Ibom State, troops halted two Toyota Camry vehicles carrying 120 nylon bags filled with over 3,600 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil in Abak LGA, arresting two suspects.
Meanwhile, over 950 litres of stolen petroleum products were found at an abandoned house in Biseni Community, Yenagoa LGA, Bayelsa State.
Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, praised the troops’ “resilience” and urged criminal elements to “turn a new leaf” and pursue legitimate businesses.
He emphasised that under his leadership, “our forest remains green and waters blue, with zero tolerance for any form of economic sabotage in the region.”
