The Nigerian Army’s 6 Division has dismantled 13 illegal bunkering hubs, arrested 15 oil thieves, and recovered over 300,000 litres of stolen crude oil in its efforts to combat oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
The operation, conducted in collaboration with other security services, took place from January 20-26, 2025, across several states, including Edo, Delta, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa.
According to a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah, Public Relations Officer of the 6 Division,in Edo State, troops discovered a large pool of stolen crude oil, estimated at 252,000 litres, at Ugo Community in Orhiomwon Local Government Area. The products were suspected to have been stolen from a vandalized point.
In Delta State, troops intercepted a tanker truck siphoning crude oil from PAN Ocean Nigeria Limited Pipeline in Asade Community, Ethiope West Local Government Area. Over 15,000 litres of stolen crude oil were recovered.
Also, in Rivers State, troops confiscated over 10,000 litres of stolen products along the Imo River corridor. An illegal refining site was also discovered along Odagwa, and a pump action gun was recovered.
However,Troops also dismantled three illegal refining sites in Obiafu Oil field, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, and recovered several items, including cooking drums, hoses, and reservoirs.
In Abacheke area, troops discovered four illegal refining sites, 145 locally made oven drums, and seven wheelbarrows with 95 sacks filled with 5,700 litres of stolen AGO.
The General Officer Commanding 6 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, commended the troops for their efforts in curbing oil theft and pipeline vandalism. He warned economic saboteurs to turn a new leaf and embrace legitimate means of livelihood or face a renewed onslaught.
