Army intercepts stolen crude truck, dismantles illegal refineries in Niger Delta

The Nigerian Army’s 6 Division has announced that its troops have destroyed eight illegal refineries, arrested several suspects involved in illicit activities, and recovered about 18,000 litres of stolen crude oil in the Niger Delta.

The Army also reported that several pieces of equipment used by the criminals—including receivers, ovens, drums, and pipes—were destroyed.

The Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah, disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Sunday evening and sent to newsmen.

According to Lt. Col. Danjuma, the achievement was realised during a two-week raid of black spots across three states in the region using both kinetic and non-kinetic lines of operations.

The statement reads, “Determined to end the cycle of oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and associated crimes in the Niger Delta Region, troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, have scaled up both kinetic and non-kinetic lines of operations across the region.

“These efforts led to the successful deactivation of eight artisanal refineries, the arrest of several suspected oil thieves, and the confiscation of over 18,000 litres of stolen crude oil.

“The operations, which were conducted alongside other security agencies between 21 September and 5 October 2025, have reinforced the Division’s quest to establish a safer and more conducive atmosphere for legitimate socio-economic activities to thrive in the Niger Delta Region.”

The operations in Rivers State, around Joinkrama 4 in Ahoada West Local Government Area, resulted in a newly constructed illegal refining site being dismantled by the troops. Other destroyed items included receivers, ovens, drums, and pipes, as well as over 3,500 litres of stolen crude oil recovered. Additionally, acting on credible intelligence, troops intercepted a red Mercedes-Benz vacuum truck.

The truck, with registration number AHD 925 XA, was loaded with over 3,200 litres of stolen crude and was intercepted along Aba Road in Oyigbo Local Government Area. The driver abandoned the vehicle and fled on sighting the troops.

Similarly, clearance operations conducted along the fringes of Imo River resulted in the deactivation of an illegal refining site, with three drum pots, two drum receivers, and over 2,000 litres of stolen crude stockpiled in sacks recovered. Other seizures were made at Odogwa in Etche Local Government Area (Rivers State), Obeama Uzomiri Waterside in Oyigbo LGA, and Obiafor Oil Field in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA.

In Akwa Ibom State, the Army said its troops intercepted two Toyota Camry vehicles with registration numbers ANA 495 CK and AKD 233 EQ conveying 120 nylon bags filled with over 3,600 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil along Ikot Okoro, Abak LGA.

Two suspects were apprehended in connection with the seizures. Meanwhile, in Bayelsa State, around Biseni Community along Kemezia Road, at an abandoned house No. 70 in Yenagoa LGA, troops uncovered over 950 litres of stolen petroleum products.

The General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, commended the troops for their resilience.

Emekah urged criminal elements in the region to turn over a new leaf and engage in legitimate businesses, stating that the Division under his watch will ensure “our forests remain green and waters blue, with zero tolerance for any form of economic sabotage in the region.”