The Nigerian Army has made significant strides in the fight against oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta region, destroying 21 illegal refineries, apprehending 36 suspects, and recovering over 591,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Acting Deputy Director of the 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt Col Jonah Danjuma, confirmed that the success was the result of an extensive operation carried out in collaboration with other security agencies. The operation, spanning Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Delta states, took place from April 28 to May 11, 2025.
The coordinated effort was part of an ongoing crackdown aimed at dismantling illegal refining activities and curbing oil theft in the region, which has long been plagued by illicit activities that contribute to environmental degradation and loss of revenue for the country.
Danjuma detailed how troops, in partnership with various security agencies, executed several operations that resulted in the destruction of 21 illegal refinery sites. Additionally, 36 individuals were arrested, and 591,000 litres of stolen petroleum products were recovered.
A significant operation took place in Rivers State, particularly around the Orashi Game Reserve and Okolomade area in Abua/Odual Local Government Area. There, military personnel discovered a 15-kilometre-long hose linked to an illegal loading point.
In a follow-up operation, five illegal refinery sites were dismantled, and a large metal tank containing over 350,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO) was seized. The site also housed large ovens and a massive dugout containing more than 100,000 litres of stolen crude oil.
In addition to this, a range of illegal items, including a pumping machine, borehole, electric cables, and sockets, were recovered from the scene.
The operation also saw troops destroy seven illegal refinery sites at the fringes of the Imo River. Five boats used for illicit refining activities were demobilized, along with the destruction of 38 drum pots and 15 drum receivers. Furthermore, 1,428 bags, estimated to contain over 21,500 litres of crude oil, were seized during the operation.
Troops also intercepted a truck at Elelenwa in Eleme Local Government Area, which was found to be transporting 20,000 litres of stolen oil.
Another successful operation was conducted in Bonny Local Government Area, where a boat filled with more than 10,000 litres of stolen products was discovered hidden in the creeks of Otokolomabie and Coconut Estate, following local intelligence.
These operations have highlighted the continued efforts of the Nigerian military to reduce oil theft and curb the detrimental environmental impact caused by illegal refining activities. The army’s ongoing operations in the Niger Delta are expected to intensify as the region faces continued challenges related to oil-related crimes.
Lt Col Danjuma reiterated that the Nigerian Army remains committed to protecting national assets, ensuring the rule of law, and dismantling illegal oil operations that undermine the country’s economy and environment.
