In an illicit activity that concerns refinery and crude oil, the Nigerian Army, 6 Division said its troops have destroyed eight illegal refineries, arrested suspects and recovered about 18, 000 litres of stolen crude oil in the Niger Delta.
Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah, the Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Sunday evening and sent to newsmen.
Danjuma said the feat was achieved during a two-week raid of some black spots across three states of the region with the application of both ‘kinetic and non-kinetic lines of operations’.
The Army also said several equipment used by the criminals including receivers, ovens, drums and pipes were deactivated.
“Determined to end the cycle of oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and associated crimes in the Niger Delta Region, troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, have scaled up both kinetic and non-kinetic lines of operations across the region.
“These efforts led to the successful deactivation of eight artisanal refineries, the arrest of several suspected oil thieves, and the confiscation of over 18,000 litres of stolen crude oil.
“The operations, which were conducted with other security agencies between 21st September and 5th October 2025, have reinforced the Division’s quest to emplace a safer and more conducive atmosphere for legitimate socio-economic activities to thrive in the Niger Delta Region.
“The operations conducted in Rivers State, around Joinkrama 4 in Ahoada West Local Government Area, resulted in a newly constructed illegal refining site being dismantled by the troops. Other items destroyed included receivers, ovens, drums, pipes, as well as over 3,500 litres of stolen crude recovered. Additionally, acting on credible intelligence, troops intercepted a red Mercedes-Benz vacuum truck.
“The truck, with registration number AHD 925 XA, was loaded with over 3,200 litres of stolen crude and was intercepted along Aba Road in Oyigbo LGA. The driver abandoned the vehicle and fled on sighting troops.
“Similarly, clearance operations conducted along the fringes of Imo River resulted in the deactivation of an illegal refining site, with three drum pots, two drum receivers, and over 2,000 litres of stolen crude stockpiled in sacks recovered. Other seizures were made at Odogwa in Etche LGA (Rivers State), Obeama Uzomiri Waterside in Oyigbo LGA, and Obiafor Oil Field in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA.” The statement read
Similarly, the Army said, its troops intercepted two Toyota Camry vehicles with registration numbers ANA 495 CK and AKD 233 EQ conveying 120 nylon bags filled with over 3,600 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil along Ikot Okoro, Abak LGA in Akwa Ibom State.
It continued, “Two suspects were apprehended in connection with the seizures. While in Bayelsa State, around Biseni Community along Kemezia Road, at an abandoned House No 70 in Yenagoa LGA, troops uncovered over 950 litres of stolen petroleum products”.
Meanwhile, the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Emekah has commended the troops for their resilience.
Emekah called on criminal elements in the region to turn a new leaf and engage in legitimate businesses, saying the Division under his watch will ensure ‘our forest remains green and waters blue, with zero tolerance for any form of economic sabotage in the region.
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