Nigerian Army Dismantles 27 Illegal Refineries in Niger Delta, Arrests 43 Suspects
Port Harcourt, Nigeria — In an intensified crackdown on oil theft and pipeline sabotage, troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, have uncovered 27 illegal refineries and arrested 43 suspected oil thieves across Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Delta States.
The coordinated operations, conducted between May 26 and June 8, 2025, were carried out in conjunction with other security agencies to target known hotspots of illegal oil bunkering and crude oil theft in the Niger Delta.
Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, praised the resilience and tactical execution of his troops. “Our message is clear—the era of unchecked oil theft is over. These operations demonstrate our unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal networks that are sabotaging Nigeria’s economy,” he stated.
Breakdown of the Operation:
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Bayelsa State: Troops discovered a major illegal connection at Wellhead 10 on Zarama-Joinkrama 4, linked to a local refining hub. The site featured five cooking ovens, reservoirs, and pits with a generator, containing about 30,000 litres of stolen crude. In Biseni, Yenagoa LGA, two more illegal connections were found with 19 refining pots, 18 drum pots, and over 27,600 litres of crude stored in 460 sacks.
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Rivers State: The Army intercepted several boats and barges conveying stolen fuel, including one barge carrying over 27,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). Illegal refining sites were raided in Okrika, Ahoada West, Abua/Odual, and Degema LGAs, where large quantities of PMS, Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), and crude were confiscated.
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Akwa Ibom State: Troops seized vehicles, including an Infinity Jeep and a Toyota Camry, loaded with over 2,700 litres of stolen Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and PMS concealed in nylon bags. Three suspects were apprehended.
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Delta State: Sites in Warri South, Sapele, and Ugbukoko were raided, with wooden boats, illegal ovens, and vehicles seized. Over 9,000 litres of stolen crude and condensates were recovered.
“These criminals are becoming more creative—hiding stolen products in boats, sacks, vehicles, and even under logs,” Emekah added. “But we remain steps ahead. We will continue to dominate the creeks, patrol the pipelines, and secure distribution routes until these saboteurs are eliminated.”
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