Army Cracks Down On Oil Thieves, Destroys 19 Refineries, Recovers 138,000 Litres

The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has destroyed 19 illegal refineries, and arrested 12 suspects, and recovered 138,000 liters of stolen petroleum products in the Niger Delta region.

The success was achieved during a week-long operation conducted in collaboration with other security agencies across several communities in the region.

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

The operation, which took place from March 17 to March 23, 2025, spanned four states: Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Delta.

Danjuma said, “Troops of the 6th Division of the Nigerian Army, while consolidating on previous operational successes, carried out a series of operations between March 17 and 23, 2025. These efforts led to the destruction of 19 artisanal refineries, the arrest of 12 suspected oil thieves, and the confiscation of over 138,000 liters of stolen petroleum products across the Joint Operations Area.

“A significant portion of the operation focused on intelligence-driven actions in Rivers State, which led to the interception of a tanker loaded with 60,000 liters of stolen crude oil along the Apajo-Iwoji-Iwofe road in Obio Akpor Local Government Area.

“Upon spotting the troops, the driver abandoned the truck and fled. A search of the vehicle uncovered multiple licence plates.

“Additionally, clearance operations in the Imo River area led to the destruction of several illegal refineries, as well as the recovery of 64 drum pots and 15 drum receivers containing over 4,500 litres of stolen products.

“At Kumufari Creek in Degema Local Government Area, troops discovered an abandoned refining oven and 40 sacks containing more than 1,200 liters of stolen crude oil. Another raid in the Okotokolomabia/Okoloma Lounge area of Bonny Island resulted in the discovery of abandoned equipment, including a 6 KVA generator, a welding machine, five drilling machines, two drilling cups, and various bolts and nuts.

“The operation also targeted illegal bunkering camps in Rivers and Bayelsa states. At Joinkrama 4 and Biseni, troops destroyed illegal refining sites, recovering over 25,000 litres of stolen crude and 850 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil. Additionally, over 1,550 litres of stolen crude were recovered from cellophane bags on the waterways.”