From Victor Edozie, in Port Harcourt
The 6 Division of the Nigeria Army, Port Harcourt, Rivers State said it has deactivated 8 artisanal refineries while several suspected oil thieves were arrested.
It also said that about over 18,000 litres of stolen crude oil were impounded.
A press statement issued in Port Harcourt on Sunday by Lt. Col Danjuma Jonah, the Division’s Deputy Director of public relations stated that the operations, which were conducted with other security agencies between 21 September and 5 October 2025, have reinforced the Division’s quest to emplace a safer and more conducive atmosphere for legitimate socio-economic activities to thrive in the Niger Delta.
“The operations conducted in Rivers State, around Joinkrama 4 in Ahoada West LGA, resulted in a newly constructed illegal refining site dismantled by the troops. Other items destroyed comprised receivers, ovens, drums, pipes, as well as over 3,500 litres of stolen crude 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 LGA. The driver abandoned the vehicle and fled on sighting 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 LGA, Obeama Uzomiri Waterside in Oyigbo LGA, and Obiafor Oil Field in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA.
“In Akwa Ibom State, 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 (AGO) along Ikot Okoro, Abak LGA. Two suspects were apprehended in connection with the seizures. While 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 statement added.
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The General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah in the statement commended the troops for their resilience.
He called on criminal elements in the Niger Delta to turn a new leaf and engage in legitimate businesses adding that the Division under his watch will ensure the regions forest remains green and waters blue, with zero tolerance for any form of economic sabotage in the region.
