Troops of the 6 Division, in collaboration with other security agencies, have intensified operations to curb oil theft in the Niger Delta Region.
According to Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations Lieut. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, these efforts have led to the destruction of 32 artisanal refineries, the deactivation of 14 boats used for illegal activities, the arrest of 15 oil thieves, and the recovery of over 60,000 litres of stolen products between January 6 and 12, 2025.
In Rivers State, operations in the Bille area of Degema LGA resulted in the confiscation of over 20,000 litres of stolen crude from seven illegal refining sites and the destruction of two wooden boats.
Along the Imo River, 10 illegal refining sites were dismantled, and more than 19,000 litres of stolen products were recovered from areas including Asa, Okoloma, Ukwa, Ozaa, Abiama, Obuzor, Ukwa, and Oyigbo. In Etche LGA’s Odagwa area, troops intercepted three boats carrying over 12,000 litres of stolen crude and arrested three suspects.
Further actions in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA led to the discovery of an illegal refining site with over 1,200 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil and 1,600 litres of crude. A Toyota Bus with registration number URU 808 XA Imo, carrying 18 sacks of stolen condensates, was intercepted along the Ndoni road.
In Asari-Toru LGA’s Buguma area, two illegal refining sites were destroyed, and a small boat with 1,500 litres of stolen crude was seized, resulting in the arrest of five suspects.
In Bayelsa State, troops discovered an illegal refining site in Southern Ijaw LGA, where a wooden boat carrying over 1,500 litres of stolen crude was intercepted.
In the Emago-Kugbo and Oluasiri areas of Nembe LGA, another illegal refining site was dismantled, and an unspecified amount of stolen products was recovered.
Troops continue to maintain a strong presence in Delta and Akwa Ibom States, effectively disrupting the activities of economic saboteurs.
Major General Jamal Abdussalam, General Officer Commanding 6 Division Nigerian Army, commended the troops for their achievements and urged them to sustain efforts to deny criminals freedom of action in the region, which is vital for increasing oil production and ensuring a conducive environment for exploration.
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