Troops of the Nigerian army’s six division, in collaboration with other security agencies, have dismantled 14 illegal refining hubs and arrested 14 suspected oil thieves during a series of operations across four states.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the acting deputy director of army public relations, Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the operations were conducted between October 20 and November 9, 2025.
These resulted in the seizure of more than 20,205 litres of stolen petroleum products.
“In Rivers state, along the fringes of the Imo river, troops deactivated six illegal refining sites, destroyed 14 drum pots and nine drum receivers, as well as confiscated over 8,000 litres of stolen products.
Drum Pot
“The recoveries were made around Asa, Okonta, and Okoloma in Oyigbo LGA of Rivers state, and Obuzor in Ukwa west LGA of Abia state.
“Additionally, recoveries were also made at the abandoned wellhead 3, around the remote manifold axis, where 42 sacks containing over 1,250 litres of stolen crude oil were seized.
Wellhead
“Operations were also conducted around Ozochi community in Ahoada east LGA, and Angalama community in Asari-Toru LGA with recoveries made,” the statement read.
In Delta state, troops arrested three suspected oil thieves in Eruemukohwarien, Ughelli north LGA, and confiscated a J5 bus, a motorcycle, and over 4,000 litres of condensate.
Another operation at Bipoko community, Warri south LGA, led to the discovery of an active illegal refining site with a cooking oven and 38 sacks containing over 1,140 litres of stolen crude.
Similarly, in Akwa Ibom state, troops acting on intelligence intercepted a truck transloading Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) from an underground facility at Olive Field filling station along Uyo–Ikot Ekpene road.
The truck contained over 3,287 litres of illegally refined AGO.
Troops also extended operations to Bayelsa state, targeting economic saboteurs in ongoing efforts to dismantle illegal refining networks.
The army said all arrested suspects and confiscated products were processed according to operational protocols.
The general officer commanding, six division, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, commended the troops for their sustained operations and urged them to maintain the momentum in the fight against oil theft and economic sabotage.
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