Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Nigerian Army says it has intensified its crackdown on oil theft in the Niger Delta, engaging suspected criminals in a fierce gun battle and deactivating 31 illegal refining sites across Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom states.
The large-scale operation, conducted between March 3 and 9, 2025 according to the Army, led to the arrest of 29 suspects, the seizure of over 212,000 litres of stolen petroleum products, and the destruction of 26 boats used for illegal activities.
Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, said the operation carried out in collaboration with other security agencies, dealt a significant blow to oil thieves who continue to sabotage Nigeria’s economy through illicit refining and smuggling of petroleum products.
Danjuma said, “One of the biggest busts took place in Ogbonga Forest, Bonny Island, where troops discovered 10 illegal refining sites, 15 cooking pots, and two massive reservoirs stocked with over 70,000 litres of stolen crude.
Also seized were three tanks filled with 10,000 litres of stolen products and a 200-meter-long hose used for siphoning crude. These items were tactically concealed under a thick forest, making them difficult to detect through aerial surveillance.
“Further operations in Oloma, Krakarma, and Elelenwo led to the interception of three suspected oil thieves transporting 10,000 litres of stolen products in a wooden boat. In Degema LGA, security forces dismantled four illegal refining sites, confiscated 9,600 litres of stolen crude, and destroyed four boats used for illicit activities.
“In Bayelsa, suspected oil thieves opened fire on troops, but were overpowered and fled. Following the clash, security forces recovered over 12,000 litres of stolen crude and 9,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil. Other items seized included seven wheelbarrows and a motorcycle used for illegal refining activities.
“Similarly, in Biseni, Yenagoa LGA, troops dismantled four illegal refining sites and seized 18 metal oven tanks, metal pipes, hoses, and dugout pits containing 5,800 litres of stolen crude. Along Biseni-Samabiri Road, operatives intercepted a Toyota Sequoia Jeep loaded with 1,750 litres of illegally refined AGO stored in sacks.
“The occupants abandoned their vehicle and fled upon sighting troops. Similarly, over 4,000 litres of illegally refined AGO stored in two separate residential buildings were recovered after the occupants fled.
“In Delta State, operatives intercepted a truck carrying 35,000 litres of stolen petroleum products, while in Warri South LGA, security forces dismantled five boats used for illegal refining and confiscated 4,000 litres of stolen crude. Additional seizures were made at Obodo Omadino, Ogbe-Ijoh Market, Ughoton, and Alele Communities, where multiple illegal refining sites and storage facilities were discovered.
“In Akwa Ibom, security agents foiled an attempt to smuggle petroleum products across international waters. Troops intercepted 5,600 litres of illegally refined Premium Motor Spirit packed in 20 jerrycans of 280 litres each at Oron LGA, a key maritime exit point.”
Commending the troops for their operational success, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, General Officer Commanding, 6 Division Port Harcourt, reiterated the military’s resolve to end oil theft in the Niger Delta.
“The message is clear: turn to legitimate business or be ready to face severe consequences. Security agencies will sustain pressure on oil thieves and economic saboteurs,” the Army GOC stated.
The Nigerian Army further warned those involved in illegal oil refining to desist, urging communities to support efforts aimed at protecting national economic assets.
“The war against oil theft is critical to restoring Nigeria’s dwindling oil revenue, as the government loses billions of naira annually due to illegal refining and pipeline vandalism.”
