The Nigerian Army’s 6 Division recently concluded a two-week operation targeting illegal oil bunkering activities in the Niger Delta region, achieving significant results in curbing this illicit trade. The operation, conducted between August 11 and 24, 2025, spanned across four states: Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom. Collaborating with other security agencies, the troops focused on dismantling illegal refining sites, apprehending suspects, and recovering stolen petroleum products. The operation underscores the Nigerian Army’s commitment to combating oil theft, a crime that significantly impacts the nation’s economy and environment. The success of this operation sends a strong message to those involved in these illegal activities and reinforces the government’s resolve to protect its resources.
A key aspect of the operation was the dismantling of nine illegal refining sites, effectively disrupting the production of illegally refined petroleum products. These sites, often hidden in remote locations, contribute significantly to the environmental degradation of the Niger Delta. By dismantling these sites, the army not only reduces the volume of stolen crude oil but also mitigates the environmental damage caused by spills and improper waste disposal associated with these clandestine operations. The dismantling of these sites also disrupts the criminal networks involved in the illegal oil trade, hindering their operational capabilities and potentially leading to the apprehension of higher-level actors within these networks.
The operation resulted in the arrest of 69 individuals suspected of involvement in oil theft and related offenses. These arrests demonstrate the army’s dedication to holding perpetrators accountable for their actions and disrupting the criminal networks involved in this illicit trade. The arrested individuals will face prosecution, serving as a deterrent to others considering engaging in such activities. The successful apprehension of these suspects provides valuable intelligence to security agencies, allowing them to further investigate and understand the complexities of the illegal oil trade, potentially leading to further arrests and the dismantling of more criminal networks.
Over 32,000 litres of stolen petroleum products were recovered during the two-week operation. This significant seizure represents a substantial financial loss for the criminal networks engaged in oil theft. The recovered products will be handled in accordance with established operational guidelines, ensuring they are not reintroduced into the black market. The recovery of these stolen products not only prevents their sale on the black market but also represents a potential avenue for revenue recovery for the government, as these confiscated products can be auctioned or otherwise disposed of legally.
Specific operational successes were recorded across the four states involved in the operation. In Delta State, troops intercepted two trucks containing over 15,000 litres of illegally refined AGO and arrested three suspects. Additional recoveries of AGO were made in Sapele and Warri North. In Rivers State, three refining sites were deactivated, and several wooden boats loaded with stolen condensates were intercepted. Operations in various communities within Rivers State led to the recovery of over 1,500 litres of stolen products and the arrest of three suspects. The seizures in Rivers State demonstrate the pervasiveness of illegal oil bunkering activities in the region and the need for sustained operations to combat this illicit trade. The variety of seizures, ranging from refined products to crude oil and condensate, highlights the diverse nature of the illegal oil trade.
In Bayelsa State, a significant discovery was made with the uncovering of a site containing two large reservoirs holding over 7,000 litres of crude oil. Drums and receivers at the site were also destroyed. In Akwa Ibom State, troops maintained a strong presence to deter criminal activities and deny operational freedom to oil thieves. The operations in Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom States highlight the geographical scope of the illegal oil trade and the importance of maintaining a robust security presence across the Niger Delta region. The proactive approach in Akwa Ibom State aimed at preventing illegal activities before they occur, while the discovery in Bayelsa State demonstrates the effectiveness of targeted operations based on intelligence gathering.
The Nigerian Army’s 6 Division has demonstrated its commitment to combating oil theft in the Niger Delta region through this successful two-week operation. The arrest of suspects, the dismantling of illegal refining sites, and the recovery of stolen petroleum products represent significant strides in the fight against this illicit trade. The collaborative efforts with other security agencies are crucial in achieving these results. The continued vigilance and proactive operations by the Nigerian Army are vital in safeguarding the nation’s resources and protecting the environment of the Niger Delta. The transparent communication of these operational successes to the public reinforces the army’s commitment to accountability and fosters public trust in its efforts to combat oil theft.
