General Emekah visits frontline troops, intensifies crackdown on oil theft in Niger Delta

In a renewed effort to curb illegal oil activities in the Niger Delta, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, has conducted an operational visit to frontline troops and illegal bunkering sites across Rivers, Abia, Delta, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom states.

According to Acting Deputy Director 6 Division Army Public Relations Lieut. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the visit, which took place on February 15, 2025, was aimed at assessing the extent of illegal oil activities in the region and reinforcing the military’s commitment to eradicating economic sabotage.

Major General Emekah traversed the Imo River corridor, navigating through key waterways and adjoining creeks notorious for oil theft.

He inspected illegal bunkering sites around Afam, Obeama, and Umuori Creek in Obigbo Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State, as well as the Asa waterways in Abia State.

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During the visit, the GOC ordered the destruction of all illegal refining sites and life-support structures aiding oil theft. He directed troops to intensify their patrols, combing the entire region, including surrounding forests, to ensure the complete dismantling of illegal refining operations.

In the week leading up to the GOC’s visit, joint military operations conducted between February 10 and 16 led to significant successes across the Niger Delta.

The Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, arrested 12 suspected oil thieves, dismantled 25 illegal refining sites, and seized over 95,000 liters of stolen crude oil.

Additionally, 18 boats used for oil theft and other criminal activities were intercepted and destroyed.

In Rivers State, troops on routine night patrol intercepted a 45,000-liter capacity DAF truck with multiple plate numbers attempting to siphon crude oil along the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP).

The suspected oil thieves abandoned the truck and fled upon sighting security forces.

Similarly, in Etche LGA, troops intercepted two wooden boats carrying over 20,000 liters of stolen crude oil along the Odagwa-Imo River stretch.

Additionally, in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, security operatives discovered three illegal bunkering dump sites containing 3,420 liters of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) stored in sacks.

Two suspects were arrested in connection with the crime.
Following a tip-off about illicit activities in Karakrama, Degema LGA, troops intercepted three wooden boats carrying 3,200 liters of stolen crude. More seizures were recorded at Kumufari and Ogbonma Forests in Buguma, Asari-Toru LGA, and Okobhio Forest in Degema LGA.

Around Imo River, the military deactivated 19 illegal refining sites, 51 drum pots, and 34 drum receivers, confiscating over 4,000 liters of stolen crude.

Troops also carried out targeted operations in Delta State, focusing on hotspots in Warri South-West, Warri South, Udu, and Ethiope East LGAs.

Security operatives stormed Benneth Island in Warri South-West, dismantling three illegal refining sites, destroying multiple holding facilities, and seizing over 6,300 liters of stolen crude oil.

A similar operation at Omadino general area in Warri South led to the deactivation of two additional refining sites and the confiscation of 5,400 liters of illegally refined AGO.

Furthermore, troops discovered illegally refined AGO stored within the premises of Cp Villa and Kazo Hotels in Aladja, Udu LGA, leading to the arrest of four suspects. In Eku Community, Ethiope East LGA, one suspect was apprehended in possession of a pump-action rifle following credible intelligence.

The Nigerian Army’s operation extended into Bayelsa State, where troops raided an illegal refining site in Etelabu Forest, Yenagoa, recovering over 1,000 liters of stolen crude oil.

In another operation around Biseni, Yenagoa LGA, troops intercepted a tricycle loaded with an unspecified quantity of illegally refined AGO, abandoned by its operator upon sighting security personnel.

At Clough Creek in Ekeremor LGA, troops encountered resistance while closing in on an illegal refining site.

Criminal elements had blocked access roads with logs and damaged boats to prevent security operatives from advancing.

When troops attempted to clear the path, armed oil thieves opened fire, but the soldiers swiftly responded with superior firepower, forcing the criminals to flee.

The military subsequently destroyed two wooden boats and seized an unspecified quantity of stolen crude oil.

The intensified military crackdown is also yielding results in Akwa Ibom State, where troops have been deployed to deny oil thieves and economic saboteurs freedom of action.

Security forces continue to dominate key operational areas, preventing illegal refining and oil theft activities.

Speaking to troops, Major General Emekah commended their commitment and renewed anti-illegal bunkering efforts.

He urged them to remain resolute in denying oil thieves operational freedom, emphasizing that securing the Niger Delta’s oil infrastructure is crucial for boosting national economic stability.

The Nigerian Army’s sustained efforts against pipeline vandalism and illegal oil refining are expected to further enhance oil exploration and production activities in the Niger Delta region.