By Deborah Nnamdi
The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has dismantled 13 illegal refining sites, recovered 300,000 liters of stolen crude oil, and arrested 15 suspected oil thieves.
This was achieved in a major operation targeting oil theft in the Niger Delta in one week.
The Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, Jonah Danjuma, disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Sunday.
The operations, conducted from January 20 to 26, 2025, spanned Rivers, Delta, Edo, and Akwa Ibom states.
The statement read, “Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, have continued to tighten the noose against oil thieves, with numerous successes resonating across the joint operations area.
“These successes included the dismantling of 13 illegal bunkering hubs, four boats demobilized, the arrest of 15 oil thieves, over 150 locally made ovens deactivated, and the recovery of over 300,000 liters of stolen products.
“The operations were conducted closely with other sister services from January 20-26, 2025.”
“Also in Delta State, troops intercepted a red 30,000-litre capacity tanker truck without a plate number siphoning crude oil from a PAN Ocean Nigeria Limited pipeline in Ethiope West LGA. Over 15,000 liters had already been siphoned before the truck was stopped.
According to the statement, troops discovered a vandalized point containing 252,000 liters of stolen crude oil at Ugo Community in Orhiomwon Local Government Area, Edo State. Further searches led to the recovery of a pumping machine, hoses, and pipes.
“In Rivers State, along the Imo River corridor, over 10,000 liters of stolen products were confiscated from Lekuma, Abiama, and Oyigbo. Troops also uncovered an active illegal refining site near Owaza general area, recovering a pump-action rifle after the criminals fled.
“At Obiafu Oil Field in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, troops dismantled three illegal refining sites containing ten cooking drums, eight reservoirs, and two rolls of hose.
“At Abalama Community in Asari-Toru LGA, troops seized over 1,500 liters of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and Dual dual-purpose kerosene (DPK).
“At Abacheke in ONELGA, troops dismantled four illegal refining sites containing 145 locally made oven drums and 5,700 liters of stolen AGO. Another 3,500 liters of stolen products were found in a concealed reservoir, and eight suspects were arrested.
“Troops raided an AGO storage facility at Ikot Abia in Ikot Ekpene LGA, Akwa Ibom State, recovering 30 polythene bags filled with stolen AGO and several empty jerricans.
“In the Isonogbene area of Brass LGA, Bayelsa State, troops dismantled two illegal refining sites and recovered over 5,000 liters of stolen crude oil.” the statement added.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, lauded the troops for their efforts in combating oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
“The days of criminal elements masquerading as economic saboteurs are numbered.
“They must either turn a new leaf and embrace legitimate means of livelihood or be ready to face renewed onslaught. ” Emekah said.
