By Nkechi Eze
In a major operational breakthrough in the ongoing fight against oil theft and pipeline vandalism, troops deployed across the Niger Delta Region (NDR) have uncovered and dismantled multiple illegal bunkering hubs, recovering over 591,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.
In an official statement signed and released by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, it was disclosed that the operations were conducted between 28 April and 11 May 2025 in synergy with other security agencies, resulting in the discovery and dismantling of 21 illegal refining sites, arrest of 36 suspected oil thieves, and the confiscation of large volumes of stolen crude and refined products.
According to Lt. Col. Danjuma, Rivers State witnessed some of the most significant discoveries. In Abua/Odual LGA, around the Orashi Game Reserve and Okolomade area, troops traced a 15-kilometre hose connected to an illegal loading point. Follow-up operations led to the dismantling of five illegal refining sites, the seizure of a large metal tank containing over 350,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO), and the handling of over 100,000 litres of stolen crude in massive dugout pits. Equipment including pumping machines, boreholes, and electrical fittings were also recovered.
At the fringes of the notorious Imo River, seven illegal refining sites were destroyed, and 1,428 bags of stolen crude amounting to over 21,500 litres were confiscated. Troops also demobilized five boats, destroyed 38 drum pots and 15 drum receivers. In Elelenwa, Eleme LGA, a truck (Reg. No. EFR 302 XA) carrying 20,000 litres of stolen products was intercepted, while in Bonny LGA, a hidden Pureputt boat loaded with 10,000 litres of stolen products was recovered based on local intelligence.
At Okarki Forest in Ahoada West LGA, troops uncovered another illegal site containing an oven, a receiver waste pit, and a 50-metre-long hose all destroyed in line with operational mandates.
In Bayelsa State, troops intercepted a DAF XF380 tanker truck (Reg. No. ABM 210 XA) carrying 45,000 litres of stolen AGO and arrested three suspects. Additionally, a wooden boat loaded with over 1,000 litres of stolen crude was discovered between Oyeregbene and Babragbene in Southern Ijaw LGA.
In Akwa Ibom State, troops acting on credible intelligence intercepted a tanker truck (Reg. No. DAM 97 XA) suspected to be conveying 16,500 litres of stolen crude in Uyo LGA. The driver fled the scene, abandoning the vehicle.
In Delta State, around Ovrogbor Waterside in Isoko South LGA, two Toyota Camry vehicles loaded with 1,250 litres of illegally refined AGO were intercepted. In Warri South LGA, 38 sacks containing over 1,175 litres of crude were discovered hidden in bushes. At a checkpoint in Oshimili South LGA, a Honda vehicle (Reg. No. AAA 289 BM) was found carrying two locally made pistols, cartridges, a cutlass, and N25,100 in cash.
All arrested suspects have been handed over to appropriate agencies for prosecution, while the recovered products and materials were handled in line with the Nigerian Army’s standing operational mandate.
Meanwhile, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, has continued his operational tour across troops’ locations in the region. These visits, according to Lt. Col. Danjuma, have redefined engagement strategies, enhanced coordination, and boosted troop morale in the ongoing onslaught against economic sabotage and organized criminal networks.
