Troops Destroy 7 Illegal Refineries, Recover 109,000 Litres of Stolen Products
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division have intensified operations against oil theft across the Niger Delta, deactivating seven illegal refining sites and recovering more than 109,000 litres of stolen petroleum products in coordinated raids carried out between November 10 and 23, 2025.
The operations, conducted in collaboration with other security agencies, led to the arrest of four suspected oil thieves and the seizure of over 88,000 litres of stolen crude oil and 21,355 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
The recovered products are valued at more than ₦150 million, according to military authorities.
In Rivers State, troops dismantled three illegal refining sites around Okolomade in Ahoada West Local Government Area, recovering over 40,000 litres of stolen crude and 20,000 litres of illegally refined AGO.
During a separate operation around the fringes of the Imo River, troops uncovered three additional sites in the Asa, Obeakpo, Lekuma, and Abiama areas of Oyigbo LGA, where they recovered over 14,700 litres of stolen crude.
Acting on credible intelligence, troops raided a compound in Abuloma, Okrika LGA, discovering 1,050 sacks containing more than 32,000 litres of stolen crude. At Abonnema Creek in Akuku-Toru LGA, they intercepted a Cotonou boat carrying 25 sacks of illegally refined AGO.
In Akwa Ibom State, a raid on a suspected storage facility in Ikot Akpan, Ekparakwa along the Abak–Ikot Abasi Road led to the recovery of 520 litres of illegally refined AGO, along with several empty jerricans.
Troops also conducted an operation at a facility identified as DAEWOO yard in Ekpan, Uvwie LGA of Delta State. Suspected oil thieves fled into nearby creeks upon sighting the soldiers, abandoning wooden boats and jerricans, including three 25-litre containers filled with crude oil.
Operations are also ongoing in Bayelsa State, where troops continue to disrupt the movement and activities of criminal groups.
Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, General Officer Commanding 6 Division, commended the troops for their sustained efforts and urged them to maintain pressure on oil theft networks across the region.
He also appealed to residents to support security operations by providing timely and credible intelligence.
