The Nigerian Army's 6 Division has intensified its crackdown on illegal oil refining activities across the Niger Delta region, achieving significant success in recent operations.
Major Operations Across Multiple States
Between November 10 and 23, 2025, security forces deactivated seven illegal refining sites and recovered over 109,000 litres of stolen petroleum products valued at more than One Hundred and Fifty Million Naira.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, the recovered products include over 88,000 litres of stolen crude oil and 21,355 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO).
State-by-State Breakdown of Recoveries
In Rivers State, troops conducted successful operations in Okolomade, Ahoada West Local Government Area, where they deactivated three illegal refining sites and recovered over 40,000 litres of stolen crude alongside 20,000 litres of illegally refined AGO.
Additional discoveries were made at the fringes of the Imo River, where three more illegal sites were dismantled. Security forces recovered:
- Eight drum pots
- Seven drum receivers
- One fibre boat
- Over 14,700 litres of stolen crude
These operations covered areas including Asa, Obeakpo, Lekuma, and Abiama in Oyigbo LGA.
Following credible intelligence, troops raided a compound at Abuloma in Okrika LGA, where they discovered approximately 1,050 sacks filled with over 32,000 litres of stolen crude oil.
At Abonnema Creek in Akuku-Toru LGA, security forces intercepted a Cotonou boat loaded with 25 sacks containing over 1,000 litres of illegally refined AGO.
Expanded Operations Beyond Rivers State
In Akwa Ibom State, troops conducted a raid on a suspected storage facility at Ikot Akpan, Ekparakwa, along the Abak–Ikot Abasi road in Abak LGA. During this operation, they recovered:
- Over 520 litres of illegally refined AGO
- Storage containers including drums and ten jerricans
- Several empty jerricans
Delta State operations saw troops conducting missions at the DAEWOO yard within Ekpan area in Uvwie LGA. Suspected oil thieves fled into nearby creeks with wooden boats loaded with jerricans upon sighting approaching troops. Security personnel discovered three 25-litre jerricans filled with 75 litres of crude oil at the location.
Meanwhile, in Bayelsa State, troops have maintained pressure on criminal elements, consistently denying them freedom of action throughout the region.
Military Leadership Commends Troops
Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, praised the troops for their resilience and dedication to the mission. He charged them to sustain the current operational tempo to ensure economic saboteurs are effectively neutralized throughout the Niger Delta region.
The GOC also appealed to residents of the Niger Delta to continue supporting military operations by providing credible intelligence about criminal activities in their communities. This collaboration between security forces and local communities remains crucial in the ongoing battle against oil theft and illegal refining operations that damage both the economy and environment.
