Army Dismantles 12 Illegal Refineries and Arrests 16 in Niger Delta Operation

Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army have dismantled 12 illegal refining sites, arrested 16 suspects, and recovered approximately 70,000 litres of stolen petroleum products in a coordinated operation across the Niger Delta region.

The operation, which lasted from January 27 to February 2, 2025, also led to the demobilization of six boats, the interception of nine vandalized pipelines, and the seizure of additional stolen crude.

Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 6 Division, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, disclosed these developments in a statement issued on Sunday in Port Harcourt.

“Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, while consolidating on the operational gains made, have destroyed 12 illegal refining sites, arrested 16 suspected oil thieves, demobilised six boats, intercepted nine vandalised pipes, and confiscated over 70,000 litres of stolen products across the joint operations area,” Danjuma stated.

According to the statement, troops intercepted two suction trucks, each carrying 12,000 litres of stolen crude, along the Igwurita–Airport Road in Ikwerre Local Government Area, Rivers State. Additionally, acting on credible intelligence, security forces raided a scrap yard in the same area, discovering over 10,000 litres of stolen petroleum products stored in large tanks.

The Army’s clearance operations extended to Imo River, where troops destroyed three illegal refineries alongside 43 cooking drum pots, 23 receivers, three fibre boats, and 4,000 litres of stolen crude.

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Danjuma further revealed: “This was in addition to one locally fabricated double-barrel gun suspected to have been abandoned by fleeing oil thieves upon sighting troops in the area.”

In Mgbede Community, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA), security forces deactivated four illegal refining sites, destroyed 86 locally made ovens, and uncovered a dugout pit containing over 7,200 litres of stolen crude and 2,700 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).

Meanwhile, along the Ndoni waterside in ONELGA, troops discovered 102 sacks filled with over 5,100 litres of stolen AGO and Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). Similarly, in Agah, another 35 sacks containing 2,100 litres of illegally refined AGO were seized.

At Omoku, ONELGA, two oil thieves were apprehended storing 14 sacks of condensates in their home.

In Delta State, the Army, acting on intelligence, intercepted an abandoned locally constructed wooden boat carrying over 3,160 litres of stolen crude within the Ashaka Okpai water channel leading to the River Niger in Ndokwa East LGA.

Troops also confiscated eight sacks of condensates near an Oando pipeline in Tuomo village, Bomadi.

In Bayelsa State, a suspected oil thief was arrested with over 1,100 litres of illegally refined AGO in Sagbama Local Government Area.

Meanwhile, in Akwa Ibom State, the Army has intensified surveillance of rivulets, creeks, and waterways to prevent further illegal activities.

Reacting to the success of the operation, General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, praised the troops for their efforts and urged them to sustain their momentum.

“The suspects have been positively identified and handed over to the prosecuting agency. Meanwhile, in Akwa Ibom State, troops have continued to dominate the rivulets, creeks, and waterways to effectively deny criminals freedom of action,” Danjuma added.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment** to combating oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and illegal refining operations, ensuring a more secure environment for legitimate oil exploration activities in the Niger Delta.