Troops of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, operating in collaboration with other security agencies, have arrested 19 suspected oil thieves and dismantling 22 illegal refining hubs.
Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Danjuma, disclosed that the operations were conducted between 23 November and 28 December 2025.
This led to the recovery of over 180,000 litres of stolen petroleum products valued at more than ₦150 million, he said in a statement on Mondar
The troops in Bayelsa State, he also said, deactivated an illegal refining site at Siebu Creek, Ogbienbiri in Southern Ijaw LGA, uncovering a large reservoir containing over 75,000 litres of stolen crude oil, alongside a pumping machine.
Similar operations around Biseni in Yenagoa LGA resulted in the destruction of several illegal sites and the recovery of more than 17,000 litres of stolen products.
At Okarki waterside in Ogbia LGA, troops intercepted a large Cotonou boat concealed along the riverbank, laden with 37 sacks containing 2,775 litres of stolen crude.
In Rivers State, troops uncovered 350 sacks containing over 10,500 litres of stolen crude oil at Ogale Community, Eleme LGA. Two illegal refining sites were destroyed at Okarki Forest, Ahoada West LGA, with over 3,000 litres recovered.
At Orashi Forest in Abua/Odual LGA, troops traced a hose spanning over nine kilometres, leading to four illegal refining sites equipped with large ovens, receivers, and dugout pits holding more than 7,000 litres of crude oil.
More seizures were made at Okolomade, where 31 sacks containing 2,325 litres of stolen crude were confiscated along the Okomade–Otuasega Road.
Troops also foiled an attempt to vandalise a pipeline at Gbonga Forest, Bonny Island LGA, recovering equipment including hoses, manifold valves, waterproof nylon bags, a 9.9HP Yamaha engine, and jerricans.
Also, seizures were recorded in Okrika, Omerelu (Ikwerre LGA), and OML 18 Alakiri, with over 6,000 litres of condensates recovered.
In Delta State, troops intercepted a truck along the Asaba–Benin Expressway in Agbor while discharging 45,000 litres of diverted petroleum products into a PMS pit.
Two suspects were arrested during a raid on illegal bunkering sites behind Deeper Life Camp, Sapele LGA, where 104 sacks containing over 2,600 litres of stolen crude were recovered.
Additional arrests followed the interception of two vehicles conveying 1,475 litres of illegally refined condensates near Otorogu Gas Plant, Ughelli South LGA.
In Akwa Ibom State, troops uncovered a warehouse stocked with illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) at Ikot Ntuen Village, Abak LGA, recovering 20 jerricans filled with the product.
Commending the troops for their operational successes, the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, urged them to sustain the offensive against economic saboteurs.
He also implored the residents of the Niger Delta to continue supporting security efforts aimed at protecting critical national infrastructure.
