- Multiple illegal refineries, including 64 drum pots and 15 drum receivers, with 4,500 litres of stolen crude, were recovered in Imo River.
- In Rivers State, intelligence-led operations led to the interception of a tanker carrying 60,000 litres of stolen crude.
The Nigerian Army has intensified its crackdown on illegal oil bunkering in the Niger Delta, destroying 19 artisanal refineries and recovering 138,000 litres of stolen crude in recent operations.
The operations, carried out by troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, took place between March 17 and March 23, 2025, as part of ongoing efforts to curb crude oil theft and environmental degradation in the region.
According to Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the troops, working in collaboration with other security agencies, also arrested 12 suspected oil thieves across various locations within the Joint Operations Area (JOA).
In Rivers State, intelligence-led operations led to the interception of a tanker carrying 60,000 litres of stolen crude along the Apajo – Iwoji – Iwofe road in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area (LGA). The driver abandoned the vehicle and fled upon sighting the troops. A further search of the tanker revealed multiple fake license plates, suggesting attempts to conceal its identity.
A similar operation along the Imo River resulted in the deactivation of multiple illegal refining sites, including 64 drum pots and 15 drum receivers, with 4,500 litres of stolen crude recovered.
At Kumufari Creek in Degema LGA, troops discovered an abandoned illegal refining oven alongside 40 sacks containing 1,200 litres of stolen crude. In Bonny Island LGA, a raid on an illegal refining site led to the recovery of equipment used by suspected oil thieves, including a 6 KVA generator, welding machines, and drilling tools.
In addition, the Army dismantled seven illegal bunkering camps in Joinkrama 4 and Biseni (Rivers and Bayelsa States), seizing 25,000 litres of stolen crude and 850 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). Additional seizures included 1,550 litres of stolen crude packed in cellophane bags and a wooden boat used for transportation.
In Delta State, an open truck modified with an iron tank was intercepted near an NNPC/Chevron/Seplat pipeline in Ethiope West LGA. The vehicle, bearing registration number Edo Ekp 83 XB, was loaded with 20,000 litres of stolen crude, while another truck was discovered nearby, waiting to be loaded.
Troops also conducted operations in Akwa Ibom State, where security forces intercepted a Toyota Avalon along the Iko-Okorete road in Eastern Obolo LGA, loaded with 1,620 litres of stolen crude in 54 cellophane bags. Two suspects were arrested and handed over to relevant authorities for prosecution.
Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, has directed troops to scale up operations against crude oil theft to deny criminals freedom of action.
He urged residents of the Niger Delta to provide credible intelligence to security forces, emphasising that collective efforts are essential in tackling economic sabotage and environmental destruction.
The Nigerian Army’s recent successes highlight renewed efforts to secure Nigeria’s oil assets, protect the environment, and uphold the rule of law in the region.