Army Destroys 25 Illegal Refineries, Seizes 95,000 Litres Of Crude Oil

The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has intensified its crackdown on illegal refineries and oil activities in the Niger Delta, destroying 25 illegal refineries and arresting 12 suspected oil thieves.

The troops also recovered 95,000 litres of stolen crude and dismantled 18 boats used in illicit operations across four states in the region.

Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, the acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Sunday.

He confirmed that security forces conducted the operation between February 10 and 16, 2025, in collaboration with sister security agencies.

According to the statement, “The well-coordinated operations led to the arrest of 12 suspected oil thieves, the deactivation of 25 illegal refineries, and the dismantling of 18 boats used for criminal activities, with over 95,000 litres of stolen crude recovered.”

Danjuma detailed specific incidents in Rivers State, where troops intercepted a 45,000-litre capacity DAF truck with multiple plate numbers attempting to steal crude along the Trans Niger Pipeline 36-inch route.

“The criminals fled and abandoned the truck upon sighting the troops. Additionally, along the Odagwa–Imo River stretch in Etche Local Government Area, troops intercepted two wooden boats laden with over 20,000 litres of stolen crude.”

In Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, troops uncovered three illegal bunkering dump sites containing over 3,420 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), stored in sacks. Two hoses were recovered, and two suspected oil thieves were arrested.

The statement also highlighted a tip-off that led to the interception of three wooden boats carrying over 3,200 litres of stolen crude near Karakarma in Degema LGA, Rivers State. “Other seizures were made at Kumufari and Ogbonma forests in Buguma, Asari-Toru LGA, and Okobhio Forest in Degema LGA, Rivers State. Around the Imo River, troops deactivated 19 illegal refining sites, 51 drum pots, and 34 drum receivers, handling over 4,000 litres of stolen crude.”

Operations extended to Delta State, where troops raided the Benneth Island area of Warri South West LGA, deactivating three illegal refinery sites and seizing over 6,300 litres of stolen crude. A similar operation in Omadino, Warri South, led to the dismantling of two illegal refining sites and the recovery of 5,400 litres of illegally refined AGO. Additional AGO seizures occurred in Udu LGA, where troops confiscated illegally refined AGO stored within Cp Villa and Kazo Hotels, leading to four arrests.

In Eku Community, Ethiope East LGA, security forces apprehended a suspect with a pump-action rifle. In Bayelsa State, troops raided an illegal refinery in Etelabu Forest, Yenagoa, seizing over 1,000 litres of stolen crude. Similarly, in Biseni, also in Yenagoa, troops intercepted a tricycle loaded with an unspecified quantity of illegally refined AGO, which the owner abandoned upon spotting the troops. Efforts are ongoing to track the source of the illicit supply.”

The crackdown in Clough Creek, Ekeremor LGA, encountered resistance when armed oil thieves blocked the road with logs and damaged wooden boats before opening fire on troops. “The troops responded with superior firepower, forcing the criminals to flee and abandon the area. Two wooden boats were destroyed, and an unspecified quantity of stolen crude was appropriately handled.”

In Akwa Ibom State, intensified military presence has disrupted illegal refining activities, denying criminals the freedom to operate.

General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Major General Eric Emekah, praised the troops for their relentless fight against illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalism.

He urged them to sustain their efforts to rid the region of economic saboteurs and enhance oil exploration activities.

During an operational visit on February 15, 2025, Major General Emekah assessed ongoing illegal activities along the Imo River stretch, discovering numerous illegal refining sites. “Major General Emekah visited illegal bunkering hubs around Afam, Obeama, and Umuori Creek in Obigbo LGA, Rivers State, as well as Asa waterways in Abia State. These areas are notorious for illegal bunkering activities. During the visit, the GOC ordered the dismantling of all life-supporting structures and illegal refining sites in the identified locations.”

Authorities have directed troops to thoroughly search forests and adjoining creeks to eliminate illegal refining operations completely.