“Army Storms Niger Delta, Crushes 7 Illegal Refineries, Seizes ₦150m Stolen Oil”
By Passman Akpos
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division have intensified their relentless onslaught against oil theft in the Niger Delta, dismantling seven major illegal refining sites and recovering over 109,000 litres of stolen petroleum products in a sweeping operation carried out between 10 and 23 November 2025.
The coordinated raids—conducted with other security agencies across Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom and surrounding areas—led to the arrest of four suspects and the recovery of stolen crude and illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) valued at over ₦150 million.
Rivers State: Illegal Refineries Crushed
In Okolomade, Ahoada West LGA, troops destroyed three refining sites, seizing 40,000 litres of stolen crude and 20,000 litres of illegally refined AGO, along with large-scale refining equipment including big pots, receivers and coolants.
Further operations around the fringes of the Imo River uncovered another three illegal refining hubs, with troops recovering 14,700 litres of crude, eight drum pots, seven drum receivers and a fibre boat in villages including Asa, Obeakpo, Lekuma and Abiama in Oyigbo LGA.
Massive Haul in Okrika
Acting on credible intelligence, troops stormed a compound in Abuloma, Okrika LGA, discovering 1,050 sacks packed with over 32,000 litres of stolen crude oil.At Abonnema Creek in Akuku-Toru LGA, a Cotonou boat ferrying 25 sacks containing 1,000 litres of illegal AGO was intercepted.
Akwa Ibom, Delta, Bayelsa: Expanding Dragnet@In Abak LGA of Akwa Ibom State, troops raided a suspected storage facility along the Abak–Ikot Abasi road, recovering 520 litres of illegally refined AGO and several empty jerricans
Operations at the DAEWOO yard in Ekpan, Uvwie LGA of Delta State, saw suspected oil thieves flee into nearby creeks, abandoning wooden boats and 75 litres of crude oil.Meanwhile, troops in Bayelsa State sustained heightened presence and patrols, denying oil thieves freedom of movement.
GOC Commends Troops, Urges Public Cooperation
The General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, praised the troops for their resilience and operational successes, charging them to maintain momentum until oil thieves are completely neutralised.
He also urged Niger Delta residents to continue supporting military operations by reporting suspicious activities and providing credible intelligence to security forces.
The statement was issued by Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, on 24 November 2025.
