By Afrilens News
Troops of the Nigerian Army have dismantled 10 illegal refining sites and arrested nine suspected oil thieves in a sweeping crackdown across Rivers State, Delta State, and Akwa Ibom State.
The operations, carried out between April 1 and 26, were led by troops of the 6 Division in collaboration with other security agencies, according to a statement issued by Danjuma Danjuma, acting deputy director of army public relations.
Danjuma said the troops confiscated over 130,000 litres of stolen crude oil and more than 26,000 litres of automotive gas oil (AGO), with the recovered products valued at over N250 million.
“In Rivers state, troops carried out multiple operations across creeks, rivulets, and hinterlands, leading to several interceptions and discoveries,” the statement said.
He disclosed that troops, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted an abandoned truck with registration number KMC 310 ZV Kano at Ukpeye community along the East-West Road in Ahoada East LGA, loaded with 45,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.
The army spokesperson added that troops uncovered a reservoir containing over 35,000 litres of stolen crude oil at Orashi National Forest in Ahoada West LGA.
He further revealed that another reservoir filled with over 26,000 litres of illegally refined AGO was discovered, while several galvanised pipes used for siphoning were destroyed.
“At Ebocha, Omoku in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, troops confiscated 266 sacks filled with 17,760 litres of stolen products. Relatedly, at Abessa forest, also in Ahoada West LGA, troops discovered four drum ovens and 50 sacks containing over 3,000 litres of crude oil, while two identified waste pits were destroyed. Around Okolomade in Abua/Odual LGA, troops discovered 30 sacks containing over 1,500 litres of stolen crude oil,” the statement reads.
The operations extended beyond Rivers, with troops uncovering a tapping point and a dugout storage pit containing over 2,700 litres of stolen products in Obazogbe community, Ethiope LGA of Delta State.
In Akwa Ibom, troops discovered 45 bags containing a 1,350-litre stockpile of illegally refined AGO at Ikot Ekpene LGA, while suspects fled on sight, abandoning the products.
Danjuma noted that troops have also “effectively dominated Bayelsa state, denying oil thieves freedom of action.”
Emmanuel Emekah, general officer commanding (GOC) of the 6 Division, commended the troops for their resilience and charged them to sustain the operational tempo against “economic saboteurs” operating across the Niger Delta.
The latest crackdown underscores ongoing efforts by the military to curb crude oil theft and illegal refining, long-standing challenges that have significantly undermined Nigeria’s oil production, damaged the environment, and deprived the country of critical revenue.
Analysts say sustained operations like this could help boost official oil output and government earnings if maintained, but warn that oil theft networks are deeply entrenched and may adapt, requiring continuous surveillance, stronger community engagement, and stricter enforcement to achieve lasting results.
