Military troops, in their determination to sustain operational successes against oil theft in the Niger Delta Region (NDR), have dismantled 16 artisanal refineries, arrested 23 suspected criminals, and recovered arms and ammunition.
Over 62,000 litres of stolen crude oil and 5,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) were also recovered.
This was contained in a statement made available to Defence Correspondents in Abuja on Monday by the Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma.
According to the statement, the gallant troops of 6 Division, in collaboration with other critical stakeholders, conducted the operations across the region between 14 and 20 April 2025.
In Bayelsa State, around the Adibawa Oando Wellhead in Yenagoa Local Government Area (YELGA), troops stormed the area and successfully deactivated four illegal refining sites.
They also confiscated three large concrete-reinforced dugout pits filled with over 35,000 litres of stolen crude oil from the wellhead.
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Additionally, more than 2,500 litres of illegally refined AGO, along with a wellhead valve and pumping machines, were recovered from the site. The illegal activity reportedly involved an 80-meter-long pipe connected to the wellhead used for siphoning crude oil.
Along the Gbarain–Zarama road in the same area, several tricycles conveying stolen products were intercepted, and two suspected oil thieves were arrested in connection with the seizures.
In Rivers State, clearance operations along the Imo River led to the dismantling of six artisanal refineries, 30 drum pots, 24 drum receivers, and the recovery of 1,100 sacks filled with over 22,000 litres of stolen products around Obuzor in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State and Okoloma in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State.
In Okrika Creek, following intelligence reports, troops recovered a wooden boat loaded with over 2,500 litres of stolen crude oil, suspected to have been siphoned from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) jetty in Okrika.
In the Kula general area of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, troops arrested three buyers and three sellers of stolen products.
Their arrest led to the interception of three tugboats and one fibre boat loaded with over 1,500 litres of illegally refined AGO in jerrycans.
At Obohia road to Obrikom waterside in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA), a wooden boat loaded with several sacks of stolen products was intercepted. Similar seizures were made in Okwuzi, also in ONELGA, and in the Okarki Forest area of Ahoada West Local Government Area.
In Delta State, troops raided a kidnappers’ hideout around Rhobot City, Ibusa Road in Asaba, and Iselle-Azagba community in Aniocha Local Government Area, leading to the arrest of two suspected kidnappers and the recovery of several dangerous weapons.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, visited several troop locations in Bayelsa and Delta States.
He encouraged the troops to sustain the operational tempo and assured them that their welfare would continue to receive attention as they combat economic sabotage and related crimes in the region.
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