By Nkechi Eze
In a renewed offensive against oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and other forms of economic sabotage in the Niger Delta Region, troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, have ramped up operations across four states, leading to the arrest of 62 suspects, the dismantling of 14 illegal refining sites, and the seizure of over 350,000 litres of stolen petroleum products. The operations were conducted in collaboration with other security agencies between 14 and 20 July 2025.
According to Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations of the Division, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the intensified operations covered Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom states, and have significantly disrupted the operations of oil thieves and illegal refiners operating in the region.
In Rivers State, troops recorded major successes in Ahoada West and Ikwerre Local Government Areas. Around an abandoned wellhead at Joinkrama 4 in Ahoada West, troops deactivated six illegal refining sites, including six large ovens, reservoirs, and receivers containing about 300,000 litres of stolen crude oil and 21,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). Equipment recovered at the site included a generator set, a welding machine, and several shovels.
At Obiafor in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA), more refining sites were dismantled, including three dug-out pits, two containing over 5,700 litres of stolen crude and one filled with unquantified AGO. At the riverside in Obiafor, two boats laden with ten sacks of condensates were intercepted. Further operations at Elele Town in Ikwerre LGA led to the interception of a Sienna vehicle without registration number, conveying 32 sacks containing over 1,920 litres of stolen AGO. An illegal connection point was also discovered, alongside a dug-out pit containing over 1,200 litres of condensates. Recovered items included three 150-meter-long hoses, eight metal drums, and several illicitly constructed refining ovens.
In Bayelsa State, troops operating around Biseni in Yenagoa Local Government Area discovered and deactivated four illegal refining sites and four dug-out pits. The team also dismantled five cooking ovens and recovered over 10,000 litres of stolen AGO from the criminals.
In a related development, acting on credible intelligence, troops projected force from Javel Sharp Sand Waterside to Gana Road in Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State, where two suspected oil thieves were apprehended. They were caught with two boats containing 30 cellophane bags filled with over 1,500 litres of illegally refined AGO.
Operations have also been sustained in Akwa Ibom State, where troops continue to dominate the waterways and creeks to deny criminal elements freedom of action. According to Lt. Col. Danjuma, the military presence across strategic locations has made it increasingly difficult for saboteurs to operate unchallenged.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, commended the troops for their dedication, vigilance, and resilience in the face of complex terrain and threats. He encouraged them to maintain the operational tempo and sustain pressure on criminal elements seeking to sabotage Nigeria’s economic infrastructure.
“These operations have sent a strong message to economic saboteurs that the Nigerian Army, working alongside other security agencies, will not relent in defending the economic assets of this country,” said Major General Emekah.
He called on communities across the Niger Delta to continue supporting the military by providing timely and credible information to expose those involved in oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and illegal refining activities.
