Soldiers destroy 32 illegal refineries, arrest 15 suspected oil thieves in N’Delta
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division have destroyed 32 illegal refineries, arrested 15 suspected oil thieves, and recovered over 60,000 litres of stolen petroleum products in the Niger Delta region.
The operations, conducted in collaboration with other security agencies, took place between January 6 and 12, 2025, across various states in the region.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday night by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Division, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma.
According to the statement, troops carried out raids in Degema Local Government Area, where seven illegal refining sites were discovered around the Bille general area.
The statement read in part, “Troops of 6 Division with other security agencies have scaled up the operational momentum.
“These efforts resulted in the destruction of 32 artisanal refineries, deactivation of 14 boats used for criminality, arrest of 15 oil thieves, and the recovery of over 60,000 litres of stolen products.
The operations were conducted from 6 – 12 January 2025, across the joint operations area.”
In another operation along the Imo River stretch, 10 illegal refining sites were deactivated.
Troops destroyed drum pots, and receivers, and recovered more than 19,000 litres of stolen products.
These operations extended to Asa, Okoloma, Ukwa, Ozaa, Abiama, Obuzor, and Oyigbo.
At Odagwa in Etche Local Government Area, troops intercepted three boats loaded with over 12,000 litres of stolen crude oil, while three suspects were arrested in connection with the illegal activities.
In Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, an illegal refining site with a reservoir containing over 1,200 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil and sacks filled with over 1,600 litres of crude oil was dismantled.
Similarly, on Ndoni Road, a Toyota bus with registration number URU 808 XA was intercepted, carrying 18 sacks of stolen condensates estimated to contain over 1,200 litres.
In the Buguma area of Asari-Toru LGA, two illegal refining sites were shut down, and a small wooden boat carrying 1,500 litres of stolen crude oil was seized. Five suspects were apprehended in connection with these operations and handed over to relevant authorities for prosecution.
In Bayelsa State, troops uncovered an illegal refining site at Baberegbene in Southern Ijaw LGA. A wooden boat transporting over 1,500 litres of stolen crude oil was intercepted.
Additional operations at Emago-Kugbo and Oluasiri in Nembe LGA led to the dismantling of another refining site and the recovery of an unspecified quantity of stolen products.
Meanwhile, troops in Delta and Akwa Ibom states maintained a strong presence to disrupt the activities of economic saboteurs and associated criminals in the region.
The General Officer Commanding, the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, praised the troops for their efforts in curbing oil theft and sabotage.
He encouraged them to sustain the momentum to ensure an increase in oil production and foster a conducive environment for seamless exploration activities.
Abdussalam reiterated the Army’s commitment to denying criminals freedom of action in the region, as part of broader efforts to safeguard the nation’s economic resources.
