Troops of the 6 Division of Nigerian Army have destroyed 19 illegal refineries, arrested 12 suspected oil thieves and seized 138,000 litres of stolen products in the Niger Delta region. The operation, which took place from March 17 to March 23, 2025, spanned four states: Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Delta. The Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt Col Jonah Danjuma, confirmed the development and said several intelligence-led operations were conducted in Rivers State. He said the operations led to the interception of a tanker laden with 60,000 litres of stolen crude around Apajo – Iwoji – Iwofe road in Obio Akpor Local Government AArea (LGA). Danjuma said in a statement, “Troops of the 6th Division of the Nigerian Army, while consolidating on previous operational successes, carried out a series of operations between March 17 and 23, 2025. These efforts led to the destruction of 19 artisanal refineries, the arrest of 12 suspected oil thieves, and the confiscation of over 138,000 liters of stolen petroleum products across the Joint Operations Area.” A significant portion of the operation focused on intelligence-driven actions in Rivers State, which led to the interception of a tanker loaded with 60,000 liters of stolen crude oil along the Apajo-Iwoji-Iwofe road in Obio Akpor Local Government Area. Upon spotting the troops, the driver abandoned the truck and fled. A search of the vehicle uncovered multiple license plates. Additionally, clearance operations in the Imo River area led to the destruction of several illegal refineries, as well as the recovery of 64 drum pots and 15 drum receivers containing over 4,500 litres of stolen products. He further stated, “In the environs of Okotokolomabia/Okoloma Lounge area in Bonny Island LGA, troops raided a site, where suspected oil thieves fled and abandoned their equipment. At the site, various items were recovered, including a 6 KVA generator, one wielding machine, 5 drilling machines, 2 drilling cups, 38 bolts and nuts amongst several other items”. Danjuma said in Akwa Ibom State, along the Iko – Okorete Communities road in Eastern Obolo LGA, a Toyota Avalon with Registration Number Lagos LSR 796 FD loaded with over 1,620 litres of stolen products in 54 cellophane bags was intercepted. “The two occupants of the vehicle were arrested. All the suspects have been handed over to the appropriate agencies for prosecution, while items and products confiscated were handled in accordance with the existing operational mandate”, he said.
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