Troops Recover 30,000 Liters of Crude, Dismantle 23 Illegal Refineries
In a major crackdown on oil theft and pipeline vandalism, Nigerian troops have recovered over 30,000 liters of stolen oil and destroyed 23 illegal refineries in the Niger Delta region.
The operation, which was carried out between June 9-29, 2025, also resulted in the arrest of 46 alleged oil thieves.
According to the Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Danjuma Jonah, the troops of the Division conducted the operations in collaboration with other security agencies.
The raids took place across several states in the Niger Delta region, including Bayelsa, Rivers, Abia, Akwa Ibom, and Delta.
In Bayelsa State, troops destroyed nine big pots, 16 drum pots, four receivers, and four drum coolants at an illegal refining site in Biseni Community, Adibawa in Yenagoa Local Government Area. Over 6,000 liters of stolen crude oil were also recovered during the operation.
Two suspected criminals were apprehended in possession of two locally fabricated pistols with 9mm rounds at Otueke in Ogbia LGA.
In Rivers State, six illegal refining sites were uncovered at Kilometer 45 general area in Degema LGA, with over 5,000 liters of stolen crude oil confiscated.
Another illegal refining site was destroyed at Kula 1 general area in Akuku-Toru LGA, with four cooking ovens, four receivers, and four drums filled with over 2,500 liters of stolen Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO) recovered.
The troops also conducted clearance operations along the Imo River, which led to the destruction of six illegal refining sites, 32 drum pots, nine drum receivers, and 10 sacks with over 2,000 liters of crude oil recovered around Obuzor and Okoloma general areas in Ukwa West and Oyigbo LGAs of Abia and Rivers States respectively.
In Akwa Ibom State, troops raided a warehouse at Ukanafun LGA, where 131 nylon bags filled with over 3,930 liters of stolen products were recovered. Seven 30-liter jerricans filled with over 300 liters of illegally refined AGO were also intercepted at Ebughu area in Mbo LGA.
In Delta State, troops discovered a store at a tanker park along Asaba expressway, where 150 sacks filled with over 3,000 liters of stolen crude oil were recovered. A vacuum truck with Registration Number Delta LEH 167 SP loaded with stolen crude was also intercepted at Yanga market road Oleh in Isoko North LGA. The driver abandoned the vehicle and fled.
The operation is part of the Nigerian Army’s efforts to crackdown on oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and associated crimes in the Niger Delta region. The 6 Division spokesperson, Danjuma Jonah, praised the troops for their gallantry and professionalism during the operation, saying that the recovered stolen oil and destroyed illegal refineries would help to reduce the economic losses suffered by the country due to oil theft.
The operation is a significant milestone in the fight against oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta region, and it is expected to serve as a deterrent to those involved in the illicit activities.
