Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Nigerian Army has uncovered a 15-kilometre hose connected to an illegal crude oil loading point in the Orashi Game Reserve/Okolomade area of Abua/Odual Local Government Area in Rivers State.
The Army’s intensified war on oil theft also uncovered massive illegal bunkering hubs across the Niger Delta resulting in the seizure of over 591,000 litres of stolen petroleum products in sweeping operations that spanned from April 28 to May 11, 2025.
According to a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for 6 Division, the operations led to the dismantling of 21 illegal refining sites, arrest of 36 suspects, and destruction of dozens of equipment and vehicles used in crude oil theft and illegal refining activities.
According to Danjuma, follow-up raids led to the discovery of five illegal refining sites, including a massive metal tank filled with over 350,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and a dugout pit containing over 100,000 litres of stolen crude.
The statement reads in part, “These discoveries demonstrate the scale and sophistication of oil theft operations in the region. Our troops, working with other security agencies, are committed to dismantling these criminal networks and restoring sanity to Nigeria’s oil-producing areas.
“In other parts of Rivers State, particularly near the Imo River, troops destroyed seven more refining sites and seized 1,428 bags filled with over 21,500 litres of crude oil. They also intercepted a truck with 20,000 litres of stolen products and a hidden boat loaded with 10,000 litres in Bonny Local Government Area.
“Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom States also witnessed significant anti-bunkering operations. In Bayelsa, troops intercepted a tanker truck with 45,000 litres of stolen AGO, arresting three suspects.
“In Delta, troops recovered over 2,400 litres of illegally refined products and arrested armed suspects in possession of weapons and N25,100 cash.
“Akwa Ibom’s crackdown featured the interception of a tanker truck carrying 16,500 litres of suspected stolen crude; the driver abandoned the vehicle and fled upon sighting security personnel.
“These actions are not just seizures; they are strategic blows against economic sabotage. Each illegal site shut down and litre of crude recovered represents a win for national revenue, environmental protection, and regional stability.”
The statement also highlighted ongoing operational tours by the General Officer Commanding of 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, whose engagements with frontline troops are credited with boosting morale and sharpening mission effectiveness.
“The GOC’s presence on the ground has redefined our operational approach. The troops remain highly motivated to sustain the momentum in this crucial battle against oil theft.”
“All arrested suspects have been handed over to relevant authorities for prosecution, and seized products were processed in accordance with established operational protocols,” the statement added.
