By ZAKAA LAZARUS.
Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army (NA) have continued the onslaught against oil thieves and associated crimes in the Niger Delta Region (NDR).
In the latest operations conducted between 21 to 27 April 2025, troops working in close synergy with other security agencies arrested 23 suspected oil thieves, successfully deactivated 13 artisanal refineries, and confiscated over 180,000 litres of stolen products across the region.
In decisive operations conducted in Rivers State, around Orachi/Okolomade general area in Abia/Odual Local Government Area (LGA), over 45,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO) in sacks, concealed at different locations within a very treacherous forested area were recovered. While, around Obiafo in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA (ONELGA), an active illegal refining site was destroyed with over 28,000 litres of stolen crude recovered in two reservoirs. One suspect was arrested at the area, while others fled on sighting troops. Furthermore, a 800 meters long hose and pumping machine were recovered.
Additionally, troops conducted operation around Peterside Community in Bonny LGA, where an illegal refining site was uncovered, with three pots and receivers and over 10,000 litres of stolen products recovered. Similarly, in a snap operations conducted along Obrikom – Omoku, two wooden boats conveying over 3,000 litres of illegally refined AGO were intercepted. Meanwhile, seven suspected oil thieves were apprehended in connection to the heinous crime. The ongoing clearance operations at the fringes of Imo River is progressing with several illegal refining sites, drum pots and receivers taken out.
In Akwa Ibom State, following credible intelligence, troops intercepted a tanker truck with Registration number 1430 LA filled with 39,994 litres of stolen products along Itu – Calabar highway in Itu LGA. Two suspected oil thieves were arrested in connection to the seizure.
Further probe led to the discovery of fake waybill papers in possession of the criminal elements. Similar operation was also conducted along Abak – Ikomima road in Uyo LGA, which led to the interception of a truck with Registration number 22689 LA ladened with 39,985 litres of stolen crude. The products were also said to be conveyed with fake papers. Closely related was a sting operation conducted at Ibio Ndot Community in Orok Anam LGA, where troops discovered 103 nylon bags filled with over 3,090 litres of illegally refined AGO concealed in a Cassava farm.
In Bayelsa State, around Biseni in Yenagoa Local Government Area (YELGA), troops discovered an illegal refining site with over 2,600 litres of AGO in sacks. At Adibawa area, also in YELGA, over 2,500 litres of stolen crude and 1,100 litres of illegally refined AGO in sacks were recovered. Also, recovered were eight wheelbarrows used for the illicit activities. This was in addition to six suspected oil thieves arrested at the scene.
While, in Delta State, troops have continued to disrupt the activities of the criminal elements. This has resonated effectively as economic saboteurs were denied freedom of action.
Meanwhile, the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah has called on troops to sustain the pressure on all forms of economic sabotage in the region. He equally called on the good people of the region to continue to support military operations by providing credible information on the activities of criminals in their domain to the security agencies.
