Army destroys 18 illegal refineries, arrests 17 oil thieves
The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has announced the destruction of 18 illegal refining sites, the dismantling of 10 boats used for illicit activities, and the arrest of 17 suspects in the Niger Delta region.
The Army also reported the recovery of no fewer than 25,000 litres of stolen products during targeted raids in Rivers, Bayelsa, and Delta states.
Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, on Sunday.
Danjuma emphasised that troops of the 6 Division, in collaboration with other security agencies, remain committed to maintaining control over the operational landscape and denying criminal elements ‘freedom of action.’
He said, “In several operations conducted from 17 to 23 February 2025, 18 illegal refining sites have been effectively dismantled, seventeen suspected oil thieves arrested, ten boats demobilised, and over 25,000 litres of stolen products recovered across the Niger Delta Region.
“In Rivers State, particularly around Kilometre 45, Idama general area in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, troops recorded significant operational successes. These included the destruction of two active illegal refining sites and the interception of three wooden boats loaded with over 9,000 litres of stolen crude. At Ogale junction along the Eket-Port Harcourt expressway, troops impounded a truck loaded with over 3,000 litres of stolen crude.
“At Okwuzi in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, troops discovered an illegal oil bunkering dump with over 2,100 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil stocked in sacks. The suspected oil thieves fled upon sighting the troops.”
The statement further detailed that at the Ogaji-Ama axis in Bukuma, a wooden boat laden with over 1,000 litres of stolen crude was intercepted in the creek.
During clearance operations at Imo River, two illegal refining sites, 23 drum pots, and 14 drum receivers were destroyed, with over 2,000 litres of stolen crude confiscated.
“In Bayelsa State, at Clough Creek in Ekeremor LGA, three illegal refining sites were dismantled, with one pumping machine and over 3,500 litres of crude recovered. Additionally, two wooden boats were demobilized. A similar operation was conducted around Biseni in Yenagoa LGA, where troops deactivated one illegal refining site and recovered over 2,000 litres of stolen crude.
“In Delta State, troops intercepted a Toyota Camry with Registration Number Anambra JJT 876 AE, conveying 16 cellophane bags with an unspecified quantity of illegally refined AGO at Oton Village in Sapele LGA.
“In a follow-up operation, six suspected oil thieves were arrested. Along the Ughelli – Patani expressway, a tricycle transporting several sacks of illegally refined products was intercepted by troops.”
The General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Emekah, commended the troops for their efforts and urged them to sustain the operational momentum to prevent economic saboteurs from carrying out their activities in the region.
