Army Dismantles 24 Illegal Refineries, Arrests 29 Suspected Oil Thieves in Niger Delta

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The Nigerian Army’s 6 Division has reported a major crackdown on illegal oil operations in the Niger Delta, arresting 29 suspected oil thieves, destroying 24 illegal refineries, and recovering more than 60,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.

The operation, conducted in collaboration with other security agencies, took place from February 3 to February 9, 2025, across several states in the Niger Delta. A statement released by the Acting Deputy Director of the 6 Division Army Public Relations, Jonah Danjuma, highlighted the successful outcomes of the raid.

According to the statement, the Army’s efforts led to the deactivation of six illegal refining sites along the Imo River, where 113 drum pots and 83 drum receivers were destroyed. In addition, two boats were seized, and over 18,000 litres of stolen oil were recovered. Further operations uncovered over 1,000 litres of stolen products at a reservoir in Obigbo Local Government Area, alongside 100 sacks containing more than 1,500 litres of stolen crude.

The Army also targeted illegal oil sites in areas like Okoloma, Obuzor, Lekuma, and Ukwa, where multiple refining operations were dismantled. In the Buguma area, one illegal site was destroyed, and more than 9,000 litres of stolen crude were recovered.

Another significant find occurred at Ebocha Well 5, where troops uncovered an active illegal refining site with large quantities of illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO) and stolen crude. The site also led to the apprehension of one suspect.

In Delta State, troops executed a sting operation after receiving intelligence about illegal bunkering activities. Over 70 sacks containing more than 2,800 litres of stolen products were seized, and a suspect was caught fleeing the scene, leaving behind a vehicle loaded with 15 sacks of illegally refined AGO.

Further operations in Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom states also resulted in the destruction of refining sites and the seizure of significant amounts of stolen oil, with troops continuing to patrol the region to prevent further illegal activities.

The Army’s efforts are part of a broader initiative to combat illegal oil bunkering in the region, which remains a major source of revenue loss and environmental damage in the Niger Delta. The operations have been praised for their success in dismantling criminal activities and restoring order in the region.