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The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has achieved notable progress in the fight against oil theft in the Niger Delta region.
During a series of operations carried out from April 21 to April 27, 2025, troops detained 23 suspected oil thieves, shut down 13 artisanal refineries, and seized more than 180,000 liters of stolen oil products.
Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma reported that these operations were executed in collaboration with other security agencies.
He highlighted one operation where troops confiscated over 45,000 liters of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) hidden in sacks at various sites within a hazardous forest in the Orachi/Okolomade area of Rivers State’s Abia/Odual Local Government Area.
Another key operation took place in Obiafo, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, resulting in the demolition of an active illegal refining site and the recovery of over 28,000 liters of stolen crude from two reservoirs. During this operation, one suspect was captured, while others escaped upon seeing the troops. Additionally, an 800-meter-long hose and a pumping machine were seized.
In the Peterside Community of Bonny Local Government Area, troops discovered an illegal refining site where three pots, receivers, and over 10,000 liters of stolen products were retrieved. Two wooden boats carrying over 3,000 liters of illegally refined AGO were intercepted, leading to the arrest of seven suspected oil thieves along the Obrikom-Omoku route.
In Akwa Ibom State, following reliable intelligence, troops intercepted a tanker truck with registration number 1430 LA that contained 39,994 liters of stolen products on the Itu-Calabar highway in Itu LGA.
Two suspected oil thieves were arrested in connection to this seizure, which also revealed fake waybill documents in the suspects' possession. A similar operation on the Abak-Ikomima road in Uyo LGA led to the interception of another truck with registration number 22689 LA carrying 39,985 liters of stolen crude.
"The products were reportedly being transported with fake documents. In a related sting operation executed in Ibio Ndot Community of Orok Anam LGA, troops found 103 nylon bags filled with over 3,090 liters of illegally refined AGO hidden in a cassava farm," stated Danjuma.
Meanwhile, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, the General Officer Commanding of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, has urged troops to maintain relentless pressure against all forms of economic sabotage in the region.
He also called upon the community members to continue supporting military efforts by sharing credible information regarding criminal activities in their areas with the appropriate security agencies.
