In a decisive crackdown on oil theft and pipeline sabotage, the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has announced the arrest of 62 suspected oil thieves and the seizure of over 350,000 litres of stolen petroleum products in the Niger Delta region.
The week-long joint operation, conducted between July 14–20, 2025, spanned across Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom States, in collaboration with other security agencies. According to Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, the operation led to the deactivation of 14 illegal refining sites, confiscation of five boats, and disruption of multiple supply chains involved in illegal bunkering.
In Rivers State alone, troops shut down six illegal refining camps at an abandoned wellhead in Joinkrama 4, Ahoada West LGA. The Army also handled six large ovens, reservoirs, and storage units containing approximately 300,000 litres of stolen crude oil and 21,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
Recovered equipment included a generator set, welding machine, and other tools used in the illicit refining process.
The Army reiterated its commitment to sustaining these operations to protect Nigeria’s oil infrastructure and deter economic sabotage.
