Troops of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army have arrested 50 individuals suspected of engaging in illegal bunkering and the refining of petroleum products across various parts of the Niger Delta region.

The arrests were made during joint operations with other security agencies carried out at multiple locations between June 30 and July 13, 2025. In the course of the operations, the troops dismantled 11 illegal refining sites and seized approximately 25,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.

According to a statement issued in Port Harcourt by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Division, Lt.-Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the troops also uncovered several compromised pipeline connection points used for illicit oil activities.

The statement read in part:
“Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, have consistently disrupted the activities of oil thieves and other criminal elements attempting to re-establish illegal operations in the Niger Delta Region. The latest operations led to the dismantling of 11 illegal refining sites, the arrest of 50 suspected oil thieves, confiscation of 25,000 litres of stolen products, and the discovery of multiple compromised connection points.”

Lt.-Col. Danjuma further noted that the troops intensified efforts in Rivers State to dismantle both existing illegal bunkering camps and newly emerging hubs. He disclosed that clearance operations along the Imo River resulted in the destruction of seven illegal refining sites, 35 drum pots, 14 drum receivers, and three large coolants, as well as the recovery of over 6,000 litres of crude oil.

He added:
“These recoveries were made in areas around Obuzor and Ozaa West in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State, and in parts of Rivers State. At Obiafor in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, one illegal refining site was dismantled, and several dugout pits containing 3,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 2,000 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), and 1,000 litres of crude oil were discovered and processed in line with operational protocols.”

Additional discoveries included a chemical reservoir containing over 3,000 litres of substances used in illegal refining, and five sacks holding 100 to 150 litres of stolen AGO and DPK respectively. Three suspected oil thieves were also apprehended, and a 300-metre plastic hose alongside 14 metal drums were secured.

Operations extended to Okarki Forest in Ahoada West LGA, where several storage facilities were dismantled.

In Delta State, the troops intercepted one speedboat and a locally made wooden boat loaded with 86 sacks containing over 1,720 litres of stolen petroleum products along the Jeddo waterways in Warri South LGA. Additionally, in the Obiaruku community in Ukwuani LGA, a store was raided, revealing 24 jerricans of 25 litres each filled with illegally refined AGO.

Further efforts in Warri South LGA, particularly along the Ugbokodo creek, led to the interception of another wooden boat stocked with stolen products.

In Bayelsa State, proactive patrols led to the seizure of a wheelbarrow and a 70-kg gas cylinder at Ikarama in Yenagoa LGA, believed to be equipment intended for breaching pipelines. At Angiama community in Southern Ijaw LGA, multiple litres of stolen products were recovered, and suspects taken into custody.

Similarly, in Akwa Ibom State, troops raided a warehouse in Ukanafun LGA, uncovering fifteen jerricans filled with illegally refined AGO.

Lt.-Col. Danjuma emphasized that troops have maintained a dominant presence across the waterways and hinterlands of the Niger Delta, effectively preventing economic saboteurs and criminal elements from operating freely.