- Nigerian Army seizes 18,000 litres of stolen crude oil and dismantles artisanal refineries in the Niger Delta.
- Several suspects linked to oil theft were arrested, while vehicles transporting illegal petroleum were intercepted.
- Illegal refining sites across Rivers, Imo, and Bayelsa states were destroyed with large quantities of crude recovered.
- Operations shows the Nigerian Army’s ongoing fight against crude oil theft and economic sabotage in the Niger Delta.
The Nigerian Army has intensified its crackdown on crude oil theft in the Niger Delta, with troops of the 6 Division reporting major breakthroughs in their latest operations.
Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah, confirmed in a statement that between 21 September and 5 October 2025, soldiers destroyed eight artisanal refineries, arrested suspects, and seized over 18,000 litres of stolen crude oil.
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In Rivers State, troops dismantled a newly constructed illegal refining site around Joinkrama 4 in Ahoada West Local Government Area. Items destroyed included crude receivers, ovens, drums, and pipes, with over 3,500 litres of stolen crude oil recovered.
Troops also intercepted a red Mercedes-Benz vacuum truck loaded with more than 3,200 litres of stolen crude oil along Aba Road in Oyigbo LGA. The driver abandoned the vehicle and fled upon sighting soldiers.
Similarly, clearance operations around the fringes of Imo River led to the deactivation of another illegal refining site where three drum pots, two receivers, and over 2,000 litres of crude stockpiled in sacks were recovered. Additional seizures were made at Odogwa in Etche LGA, Obeama Uzomiri Waterside in Oyigbo LGA, and the Obiafor Oil Field in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA.
In Akwa Ibom State, troops intercepted two Toyota Camry vehicles carrying 120 nylon bags containing over 3,600 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) along Ikot Okoro in Abak LGA. Two suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures.
Meanwhile, in Bayelsa State, soldiers uncovered more than 950 litres of stolen petroleum products hidden in an abandoned house at Biseni Community along Kemezia Road in Yenagoa LGA.
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Lieutenant Colonel Jonah stressed that these operations, carried out in collaboration with other security agencies, demonstrate the Army’s commitment to creating a safe environment for lawful socio-economic activities to thrive in the Niger Delta.
