Troops of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army have arrested 19 suspected oil thieves, destroyed 22 illegal refining sites, and recovered over 180,000 litres of stolen petroleum products valued at approximately ₦150 million across the Niger Delta.

The operations, carried out over nearly a month, involved coordinated efforts across four states in collaboration with other security agencies.

Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Monday.

According to Danjuma, the operations targeted oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and related crimes, emphasizing that troops remain committed to dominating the operational environment and denying criminal elements freedom of action.

He said, “Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in close synergy with other security agencies, have continued to dominate the operational landscape, effectively denying criminal elements freedom of action across the Niger Delta region. In several operations conducted, 19 suspected oil thieves were apprehended, with 22 illegal refining hubs destroyed and over 180,000 litres of stolen products, worth over ₦150 million, recovered. The operations took place between 23 November and 28 December 2025.”

Danjuma provided details of the operations:

In Siebu Creek, Ogbienbiri, Southern Ijaw LGA, Bayelsa State, troops deactivated an illegal refining site and recovered a reservoir containing over 75,000 litres of stolen crude oil and a pumping machine.

Around Biseni, Yenagoa LGA, multiple operations led to the seizure of over 17,000 litres of stolen products.

At Okarki waterside, Ogbia LGA, a Cotonou boat carrying 2,775 litres of stolen crude was intercepted.

In Ogale Community, Eleme LGA, Rivers State, troops discovered 350 sacks containing over 10,500 litres of stolen crude.

Around Okarki Forest, Ahoada West LGA, two illegal refining sites were destroyed, with over 3,000 litres of crude recovered.

In Orashi Forest, Abua/Odual LGA, a nine-kilometre hose leading to four illegal refining sites with a total capacity of 120,000 litres was traced and dismantled, including the destruction of a pumping machine with five large reservoirs.

At Okolomade, also in Abua/Odual LGA, 31 sacks containing 2,325 litres of stolen crude were confiscated.

Additional recoveries in Rivers State included a rubber hose, manifold valve, engine, jerricans, and other equipment linked to pipeline vandalism and theft. Troops also seized over 6,000 litres of condensates across Okrika LGA, Omerelu in Ikwerre LGA, and OML 18 Alakiri.

In Delta State, a truck with registration SAG 292 XB was intercepted along the Asaba–Benin Expressway while offloading 45,000 litres of diverted petroleum products into a PMS pit. Troops also arrested two suspects linked to illegal bunkering activities in Sapele LGA and recovered 104 sacks containing over 2,600 litres of stolen crude. Vehicles conveying illegally refined condensates totaling 1,475 litres were also intercepted around Otorogu Gas Plant in Ughelli South LGA.

In Akwa Ibom State, troops recovered 20 jerry cans of illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil from a warehouse in Ikot Ntuen Village, Abak LGA.

Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Emekah, General Officer Commanding 6 Division, commended the troops for their successes and urged them to sustain the operations against economic saboteurs. He also appealed to law-abiding citizens in the region to support the ongoing crackdown on criminal networks undermining critical national infrastructure in the oil-rich Niger Delta.