Nigerian Army cracks down on oil thieves, destroys 18 illegal refineries

The Nigerian Army has launched a series of operations to combat oil theft in the Niger Delta region, resulting in the destruction of 18 illegal refining sites and the arrest of 17 suspects.

The operation, which took place from February 17 to 23, 2025, also led to the recovery of over 25,000 liters of stolen products.

According to Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division, Army Public Relations, the troops worked closely with other security agencies to dominate the operational landscape and deny criminal elements “freedom of action.” The operation was conducted across Rivers, Bayelsa, and Delta states, with significant milestones achieved in each state.

In Rivers State, troops destroyed two active illegal refining sites and intercepted three wooden boats loaded with over 9,000 liters of stolen crude. The boats were demobilized, and the stolen crude was recovered. Additionally, troops impounded a truck loaded with over 3,000 liters of stolen crude at Ogale junction, along the Eket-Port Harcourt expressway.

In Bayelsa State, three illegal refining sites were dismantled, and one pumping machine with over 3,500 liters of crude was recovered. Two wooden boats used for illegal oil bunkering were also demobilized. The operation in Bayelsa State was conducted at Clough Creek in Ekeremor Local Government Area.

In Delta State, troops intercepted a Toyota Camry conveying 16 cellophane bags with an unspecified quantity of illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO) at Oton Village in Sapele Local Government Area. Six suspected oil thieves were arrested during the operation. Additionally, troops intercepted a tricycle conveying several sacks of illegally refined products along the Ughelli-Patani expressway.

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Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Emekah, General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, commended the troops and charged them to sustain the operational tempo in order to deny economic saboteurs any freedom to carry out their nefarious activities in the region.

The operation is part of the Nigerian Army’s efforts to combat oil theft and illegal refining in the Niger Delta region. The army has pledged to continue working with other security agencies to protect the country’s oil infrastructure and prevent economic sabotage.

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