Nigerian Army Cracks Down on Oil Thieves, Destroys 24 Illegal Refineries

The Nigerian Army has dealt a significant blow to oil thieves in the Niger Delta region, arresting 29 suspects, destroying 24 illegal refineries, and recovering over 60,000 litres of stolen products.

The operation, conducted by troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, took place across several states in the Niger Delta from February 3 to 9, 2025.

According to Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Jonah Danjuma in a statement on Monday, the troops “successfully apprehended 29 suspected oil thieves, deactivated 24 illegal refining sites, demobilized eleven boats, and recovered over 60,000 litres of stolen products.”

The operation also resulted in the destruction of 113 drum pots and 83 drum receivers, as well as the recovery of 2,800 litres of stolen products in Delta State.

The statement said: “In the latest crackdown against illegal oil bunkering in the Niger Delta Region troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, working in synergy with other security agencies have successfully apprehended 29 suspected oil thieves, deactivated 24 illegal refining sites, demobilized eleven boats and recovered over 60,000 litres of stolen products.

“Also recovered at the site were 37 sacks filled with over 2, 220 litres of illegally refined AGO and one suspected oil thief apprehended at the scene. Likewise, along Kumufari Creek in Akuku-Toru LGA, one illegal refining site, a 200-meter hose with a reservoir stocked with over 1,500 litres of stolen products was handled accordingly.

“In Delta State, following tip-off about suspected illegal bunkering activities around Okpai Oluchi community in Ndokwa East LGA, troops mobilised to the area and conducted a sting operation.

“During the operations, over 70 sacks were confiscated along the SEEPCO Energy company pipeline within the Community, which led to the confiscation of over 2,800 litres of stolen products.”

Danjuma said the troops will continue to dominate the operations area, denying criminal elements freedom of action.

The Nigerian Army’s crackdown on oil thieves is part of its efforts to curb the illicit activities that have plagued the Niger Delta region for years.

The operation is a significant step towards addressing the environmental and economic challenges posed by oil theft and illegal refining.