Troops Storm Illegal Refineries, Arrests Oil Thieves in Niger Delta

By Aremu Toyeebaht

In a major crackdown on oil theft and pipeline vandalism, troops of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army have arrested 62 suspected oil thieves during coordinated operations across the Niger Delta region.

The week-long operation, conducted from July 14 to July 20, 2025, spanned multiple states including Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom. It resulted in the confiscation of over 350,000 litres of stolen petroleum products, the deactivation of 14 illegal refining sites, and the seizure of five boats used in illegal operations.

In a statement released by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the Army described the operations as part of an intensified effort to combat economic sabotage and environmental degradation in the oil-rich region. “The operations were carried out in synergy with other security agencies and targeted hotspots of illegal oil refining and pipeline vandalism,” Lt.-Col. Danjuma said.

Specific locations raided during the operation include Joinkrama 4 Community in Ahoada-West LGA, Obiafor in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, and Elele Town in Ikwerre LGA, all in Rivers State, where troops dismantled several illegal refining sites and seized approximately 33,600 litres of petroleum products.

The Nigerian Army emphasized its continued commitment to supporting national economic stability by curbing oil theft, which has long plagued the region and contributed to revenue loss and environmental hazards.