The Nigerian Army’s 6th Division, in a concerted effort to combat the pervasive issue of oil theft in the Niger Delta region, conducted a week-long operation from March 17 to 23, 2025, yielding significant results. Working in collaboration with other security agencies, the operation spanned four states – Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Delta – and resulted in the destruction of 19 illegal refineries, the arrest of 12 suspected oil thieves, and the recovery of over 138,000 liters of stolen petroleum products. This operation underscores the ongoing commitment of the Nigerian military to curbing the economic sabotage caused by illegal oil bunkering activities. The success of the operation highlights the importance of inter-agency cooperation and intelligence-driven strategies in tackling this complex criminal enterprise.
A significant portion of the operation focused on Rivers State, a hub of illegal refining activities. Acting on intelligence, troops intercepted a tanker truck carrying 60,000 liters of stolen crude oil along the Apajo-Iwoji-Iwofe road in the Obio Akpor Local Government Area. The driver, upon sighting the troops, abandoned the vehicle, leaving behind multiple license plates, suggesting a deliberate attempt to obscure the truck’s identity and ownership. Further operations in the Imo River area led to the destruction of numerous illegal refineries and the seizure of substantial quantities of stolen crude oil stored in drums and other containers. These actions demonstrate the effectiveness of targeted operations based on credible intelligence in disrupting the logistical networks of oil thieves.
The operation extended to other areas within Rivers State, including Kumufari Creek in Degema Local Government Area and Bonny Island. In Kumufari Creek, troops discovered an abandoned illegal refinery and confiscated a significant volume of stolen crude. On Bonny Island, a raid uncovered abandoned equipment used in the illicit refining process, further disrupting the operational capacity of the oil thieves. These discoveries highlight the widespread nature of illegal bunkering activities across the region and the need for sustained operations to dismantle these criminal networks. The abandonment of equipment suggests that the operations are applying pressure on the perpetrators, forcing them to abandon their operations to avoid apprehension.
Beyond Rivers State, the operation targeted illegal bunkering camps in Bayelsa State. In Joinkrama 4 and Biseni, troops successfully dismantled illegal refining sites and recovered substantial quantities of stolen crude oil and illegally refined automotive gasoline oil. The recovery of stolen crude stored in cellophane bags on the waterways demonstrates the ingenious, yet illicit, methods employed by oil thieves to transport their stolen goods. This underscores the adaptability of the criminals and the need for security forces to remain vigilant and adaptable in their counter-strategies.
The operation’s reach also extended to Delta and Akwa Ibom States. In Delta State, troops intercepted a truck with a concealed tank containing over 20,000 liters of stolen crude oil near the NNPC/Chevron/Seplat pipeline in Ethiope West Local Government Area. A second truck, also intended for loading stolen crude, was discovered nearby, indicating the scale of the illicit operation in the area. This interception emphasizes the strategic importance of monitoring pipelines and transportation routes used by oil thieves. In Akwa Ibom State, a vehicle carrying over 1,600 liters of stolen petroleum products concealed in cellophane bags was apprehended, leading to the arrest of two individuals. This highlights the diverse methods used to transport stolen oil and the need for thorough checks and patrols.
Following the successful operation, all arrested suspects were handed over to the appropriate authorities for prosecution, and the seized petroleum products and equipment were processed according to established procedures. Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, General Officer Commanding the 6th Division, commended the troops for their dedication and urged them to intensify efforts to eradicate oil theft in the region. He also emphasized the crucial role of community intelligence in combating these criminal activities and called on residents to continue providing credible information to security agencies. This appeal for community involvement underscores the importance of collaboration between security forces and local populations in addressing the deeply entrenched issue of oil theft in the Niger Delta. The continued success of these operations hinges on maintaining pressure on the illegal bunkering networks and fostering trust between security agencies and the communities they serve.
