The Nigerian Army has intensified its crackdown on illegal oil refining and bunkering activities in the Niger Delta, leading to the destruction of 25 illegal refineries, the seizure of 95,000 litres of stolen crude, and the arrest of 12 suspected oil thieves, 9am News reports.
The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with sister security agencies, conducted the operation across Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom States between February 10 and 16, 2025.
Massive Crackdown on Oil Theft
Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, disclosed that the operation targeted illegal refining hubs and dismantled 18 boats used by oil thieves.
Key highlights of the operation include:
- Rivers State:
- Troops intercepted a 45,000-litre capacity DAF truck along the Trans Niger Pipeline route in Etche LGA, which was abandoned by criminals upon sighting security operatives.
- Three illegal bunkering dump sites containing 3,420 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) were uncovered in Ndoni, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, leading to two arrests.
- Around Karakarma in Degema LGA, troops seized 3,200 litres of stolen crude from three wooden boats.
- 19 illegal refining sites with 51 drum pots and 34 drum receivers were destroyed near the Imo River.
- Delta State:
- Troops deactivated three active illegal refining sites in Benneth Island, Warri South West LGA, confiscating 6,300 litres of stolen crude.
- In Omadino, Warri South LGA, two illegal refining sites were dismantled, and 5,400 litres of refined AGO were seized.
- In Aladja, Udu LGA, security forces raided Cp Villa and Kazo Hotels, where illegally refined AGO was being stored, leading to four arrests.
- Bayelsa State:
- Around Etelabu Forest in Yenagoa, troops dismantled a newly established illegal refinery, recovering 1,000 litres of stolen crude.
- In Ekeremor LGA, armed oil thieves opened fire on security forces in a failed attempt to resist an operation at Clough Creek. Two wooden boats were destroyed, and the criminals fled.
- Akwa Ibom State:
- Security forces intensified surveillance, blocking criminal elements from operating in known illegal refining zones.
Army Chief Leads Operational Visit
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Major General Eric Emekah, commended the troops for their sustained operations against oil thieves and pipeline vandals.
On February 15, 2025, Major General Emekah conducted an on-the-spot assessment along the Imo River stretch, covering Afam, Obeama, Umuori Creek (Obigbo LGA, Rivers State), and Asa waterways (Abia State)—notorious hotspots for illegal oil refining.
He ordered the complete dismantling of all illegal refineries and instructed troops to clear adjoining forests to eliminate bunkering activities permanently.
The Nigerian Army’s latest operation underscores the government’s commitment to eradicating illegal oil refining and protecting Nigeria’s oil sector from economic sabotage. With over 95,000 litres of stolen crude recovered and key illegal bunkering sites dismantled, authorities continue to tighten security around the Niger Delta’s oil infrastructure.
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