Troops of the Nigerian Army have destroyed 16 illegal refining sites in Rivers and Bayelsa states, while arresting 23 suspects and recovering massive volumes of stolen crude oil and refined products as part of ongoing efforts against crude oil theft and related crimes in the Niger Delta.
The operations, conducted by troops of the Nigerian Army 6 Division Port Harcourt, in conjunction with other security agencies between April 14 and 20, 2025, also led to the recovery of weapons, pumping equipment, wooden boats, and thousands of litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) known as diesel.
In a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the troops deactivated four illegal refineries at Oando operated wellhead in Yenagoa LGA of Bayelsa State, recovering over 35,000 litres of stolen crude oil, 2,500 litres of refined AGO, pumping machines, and a wellhead valve.
According to the spokesperson, the illicit activity was being carried out using an 80-metre long pipe connected directly to the wellhead.
“These heinous crimes were perpetrated through the use of an 80 meters long pipe connected to the Wellhead used for siphoning crude oil,” he said.
Also in Bayelsa, troops intercepted tricycles transporting stolen petroleum products along the Gbarain–Zarama axis, arresting two suspects in connection with the theft.
“In Rivers and Abia States, clearance operations around the Imo River corridor led to the dismantling of six artisanal refineries, seizure of 1,100 sacks containing over 22,000 litres of stolen products, and confiscation of 30 drum pots and 24 drum receivers. These were recovered around Obuzor (Ukwa West LGA, Abia) and Okoloma (Oyigbo LGA, Rivers State).
“At Okrika Creek, troops acting on intelligence recovered a wooden boat loaded with 2,500 litres of stolen crude oil, suspected to have been illegally siphoned from the NNPC Jetty in Okrika. In Kula, Akuku-Toru LGA, three buyers and three sellers of stolen products were apprehended, leading to the seizure of three tugboats, a fibre boat, and over 1,500 litres of refined AGO.
“In Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA (ONELGA), a wooden boat filled with several sacks of stolen crude was intercepted at Obohia Road, while additional seizures were made at Okwuzi and Okarki Forest in Ahoada West LGA.
“In Delta State, troops busted a kidnappers’ hideout around Rhobot City, Asaba, and Iselle Azagba in Aniocha LGA. Two suspects were arrested and a cache of dangerous weapons recovered, including two pump-action rifles, a double-barrel gun, one dane gun, 56 cartridges, 13 cutlasses, charms, and cult regalia.
“Also in Warri South LGA, troops raided an illegal refining site, confiscating three cooking pots, an unspecified quantity of refined AGO, and three drums filled with over 600 litres of stolen crude oil.
“In Akwa Ibom State, the army maintained a strong operational presence to deter oil theft and other criminal activities.”
The General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, visited troops’ locations in Bayelsa and Delta States, where he commended the soldiers and urged them to maintain the momentum.
“Your welfare will continue to receive the desired attention as you surge operations against economic saboteurs and associated crimes in the region,” he assured.
The Nigerian Army said the operations are part of a broader effort to dismantle oil theft networks and secure Nigeria’s economic assets in the Niger Delta.