Soldiers from the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division have successfully shut down eight unauthorized artisanal oil refineries and seized more than 18,000 litres of illegally obtained crude oil within the Niger Delta area.
These operations, carried out in partnership with various security agencies between September 21 and October 5, 2025, also led to the apprehension of multiple individuals suspected of oil theft.
Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of Public Relations for the 6 Division, revealed these developments in a statement released on Sunday evening in Port Harcourt.
The military efforts combined both active combat and strategic non-combat measures, targeting communities across Rivers, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom States.
“Our coordinated actions resulted in the dismantling of eight illegal refining operations, the detention of numerous suspected oil thieves, and the recovery of over 18,000 litres of stolen crude oil,” Lt.-Col. Danjuma explained.
He emphasized that these initiatives are part of the Division’s ongoing commitment to fostering a safer environment conducive to legitimate economic growth in the Niger Delta.
In Rivers State, troops dismantled a newly established illicit refinery near Joinkrama 4 in Ahoada West Local Government Area. The operation involved destroying refining equipment such as receivers, ovens, drums, and pipes, alongside the recovery of more than 3,500 litres of stolen crude.
Additionally, acting on reliable intelligence, soldiers intercepted a red Mercedes-Benz vacuum truck bearing registration number AHD 925 XA along Aba Road in Oyigbo LGA. The vehicle was carrying over 3,200 litres of stolen crude oil. Upon spotting the troops, the driver abandoned the truck and fled the scene.
Further clearance missions along the banks of the Imo River led to the shutdown of another illegal refinery, where three drum pots, two drum receivers, and upwards of 2,000 litres of stolen crude stored in sacks were confiscated.
Other seizures took place in Odogwa (Etche LGA), Obeama Uzomiri Waterside (Oyigbo LGA), and the Obiafor Oil Field in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA.
In Akwa Ibom State, troops intercepted two Toyota Camry cars, with registration numbers ANA 495 CK and AKD 233 EQ, transporting 120 nylon bags containing over 3,600 litres of unlawfully refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) along Ikot Okoro in Abak LGA. Two suspects were arrested in connection with this haul.
Meanwhile, in Bayelsa State’s Biseni Community near Kemezia Road, soldiers uncovered more than 950 litres of stolen petroleum products stored in an abandoned house numbered 70 in Yenagoa LGA.
Major General Emmanuel Emekah, the General Officer Commanding the 6 Division, praised the troops for their unwavering dedication and resilience during these operations.
He urged those involved in illicit activities within the Niger Delta to abandon such practices and pursue lawful livelihoods. Emekah affirmed the Division’s resolve to maintain the region’s environmental integrity, stating, “We are committed to preserving our forests and waterways, with zero tolerance for any acts of economic sabotage.”
Below are images documenting the recent military actions:
