Paragraph 1: Introduction
The Niger Delta region of Nigeria, a hub of significant oil resources, has long grappled with the persistent menace of oil theft and pipeline vandalism. This illegal activity not only cripples the nation’s economy but also poses severe environmental hazards, devastating the delicate ecosystem and impacting the livelihoods of local communities. In a determined effort to combat this scourge, the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, launched a series of intensive operations across four states within the region: Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom. This coordinated crackdown, executed in collaboration with other security agencies, aimed to dismantle illegal refining sites, disrupt supply chains, and apprehend the perpetrators of these economic crimes.
Paragraph 2: Operational Successes and Arrests
The sustained operations, conducted between July 14 and 20, 2025, yielded significant successes. Sixty-two suspected oil thieves were arrested, fourteen illegal refining sites were deactivated, and five boats used in the illicit trade were seized. A staggering 350,000 litres of stolen petroleum products were confiscated, demonstrating the scale of the illegal operations. This successful operation underscores the commitment of the Nigerian Army and its collaborating agencies to stem the tide of oil theft in the region.
Paragraph 3: Rivers State Operations: Joinkrama and Obiafor
The operations in Rivers State focused on two key areas known for illegal oil bunkering activities: Joinkrama and Obiafor. In Joinkrama, within the Ahoada West Local Government Area, six illegal refining sites were deactivated near an abandoned wellhead. This involved the dismantling of six large ovens, reservoirs, and receivers containing a massive 300,000 litres of stolen crude oil and 21,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). Additional equipment used in the illegal refining process, including a generator, welding machine, and shovels, was also recovered. In Obiafor, located within the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, several more illegal refining sites were dismantled, including three dug-out pits containing substantial amounts of stolen crude oil and AGO. Furthermore, two boats laden with ten sacks of condensates were intercepted at the riverside, further disrupting the illegal network.
Paragraph 4: Rivers State Operations: Elele Town and Ikwerre
The operations in Rivers State extended to Elele Town in Ikwerre LGA, where a Sienna vehicle without registration number was intercepted. This vehicle was loaded with 32 sacks containing over 1,920 litres of stolen AGO, highlighting the attempt to transport the illicitly obtained products. An illegal connection point was also discovered, linked to a dug-out pit containing over 1,200 litres of condensate. The recovery of three 150-metre-long hoses, eight metal drums, and several ovens provides further evidence of the sophisticated setup involved in these illegal refining operations.
Paragraph 5: Operations in Bayelsa and Delta States
In Bayelsa State, the focus of the operations was around Biseni in Yenagoa LGA. Four illegal refining sites and four dug-out pits were deactivated, leading to the confiscation of over 10,000 litres of stolen AGO and the dismantling of five cooking ovens. The ongoing efforts to comb the creeks and rivulets demonstrate the commitment to tracking down and disrupting these illegal activities in even the most remote and difficult-to-access areas. In Delta State, acting on a tip-off, troops apprehended two suspected oil thieves in Sapele LGA. They were caught with two boats carrying 30 cellophane bags filled with over 1,500 litres of illegally refined AGO, demonstrating the importance of intelligence gathering and community cooperation in these operations.
Paragraph 6: Operations in Akwa Ibom State and Overall Impact
While specific details of operations in Akwa Ibom State were not provided in the initial report, the statement emphasized the continuous dominance of troops in the operational landscape, effectively denying criminal elements freedom of action. This proactive approach aims to deter future illegal activities and maintain stability in the region. Major General Emmanuel Emekah, the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, commended the troops for their significant achievements and urged them to sustain the operational tempo. These successful operations, culminating in arrests, site deactivations, and product confiscations, represent a significant blow to the oil theft networks operating in the Niger Delta. The ongoing efforts are vital not only for safeguarding the nation’s economic interests but also for protecting the environment and the well-being of the communities affected by this criminal activity.
