Army arrests 14 oil thieves, dismantles 14 illegal refineries in N’Delta
The Nigerian Army, 6 Division, announced that its personnel apprehended 14 individuals suspected of oil theft and seized more than 20,000 litres of stolen products in the Niger Delta region.
Furthermore, the Army reported that troops dismantled 14 illegal oil refining sites during a covert operation conducted across various flashpoints.
This information was disclosed in a statement released in Port Harcourt on Monday morning by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 6 Division, Jonah Danjuma, and communicated to journalists.
The accomplishment was achieved during a raid that lasted over two weeks, targeting several flashpoints in the oil-rich area, as noted in the release.
The Army division has pledged to escalate its efforts against oil thieves in the Niger Delta Region in partnership with other security agencies.
The statement indicated, "In numerous operations carried out between 20 October and 9 November 2025, significant progress was made.
"These operations led to the dismantling of fourteen illegal refining hubs, the arrest of fourteen suspected oil thieves, and the confiscation of over 20,205 litres of stolen products throughout the region.
"In Rivers State, near the banks of the Imo River, troops neutralized six illegal refining sites, destroyed fourteen drum pots and nine drum receivers, and confiscated over 8,000 litres of stolen products.
"The recoveries occurred in areas such as Asa, Okonta, and Okoloma in Oyigbo LGA of Rivers State, as well as Obuzor in Ukwa West LGA of Abia State. Additionally, recoveries were made at the abandoned Wellhead 3, located near the remote manifold axis, where forty-two sacks containing over 1,250 litres of stolen crude oil were seized.
"Operations were also executed in the vicinity of Ozochi Community in Ahoada East LGA, and Angalama Community in Asari-Toru LGA, with recoveries reported."
In Delta State, the Army reported that a similar operation conducted by troops near Eruemukohwarien in Ughelli North LGA resulted in the apprehension of three individuals suspected of oil theft, alongside the seizure of a J5 bus and a motorcycle.
The statement further noted, "Additionally, over 4,000 litres of condensate were recovered. Furthermore, in Bipoko Community within Warri South LGA, troops uncovered an active illegal refining site, which included a cooking oven and thirty-eight sacks containing more than 1,140 litres of stolen crude oil.
In Akwa Ibom State, acting on actionable intelligence, troops intercepted a truck that was in the process of transloading Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) from an underground storage facility located at Olive Field Filling Station along the Uyo–Ikot Ekpene Road in Ikot Ekpene LGA.
The truck was found to be carrying over 3,287 litres of illegally refined AGO. In Bayelsa State, troops continued their operations against economic saboteurs. All suspects apprehended, along with the confiscated products, were managed in accordance with the existing operational mandate.
Meanwhile, the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, praised the troops for their achievements and urged them to maintain the 'operational tempo' in their efforts against criminals and economic saboteurs.
