Army 6 Div Crack Down on Oil Theft, Arrest 17, Destroy 18 Illegal Sites in Niger Delta
Feb 24, 2025
PORT HARCOURT – The Six Division of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, have apprehended 17 suspected oil thieves and dismantled 18 illegal bunkering sites across the Niger Delta region.
The week-long operation, conducted between February 17th and 23rd, 2025, also resulted in the recovery of substantial quantities of stolen crude oil and refined petroleum products.
The intensified operations, aimed at curbing economic sabotage, saw troops dismantle illegal refining sites and intercept vessels and vehicles transporting stolen petroleum products.
A statement by Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah, Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, released the operational details to the press on February 23rd, 2025.
The operations were carried out in Rivers, Bayelsa, and Delta States, with the army recovering over 25,000 litres of stolen products and demobilizing 10 boats used in illicit activities.
In Rivers State, operations centered around Kilometre 45 and Idama areas in Akuku-Toru LGA, resulting in the destruction of two active refining sites and the interception of three wooden boats carrying over 9,000 litres of stolen crude.
Troops also impounded a truck carrying 3,000 litres of stolen crude at Ogale junction, and discovered an illegal oil bunkering dump containing 2,100 litres of AGO at Okwuzi.
Further operations at Ogaji-Ama and Imo River led to the interception of more stolen crude and the destruction of additional refining equipment.
Bayelsa State saw the dismantling of three illegal refining sites at Clough Creek in Ekeremor LGA, with the recovery of 3,500 litres of crude and the demobilization of two boats. At Biseni in Yenagoa LGA, another site was deactivated, and 2,000 litres of stolen crude were recovered.
In Delta State, troops intercepted a vehicle carrying illegally refined AGO at Oton Village in Sapele LGA, leading to the arrest of six suspects. Additionally, a tricycle carrying several sacks of illegally refined products was intercepted along the Ughelli-Patani expressway.
Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, commended the troops for their efforts and urged them to maintain the operational tempo, ensuring that economic saboteurs are denied the freedom to operate in the Niger Delta region.
