Nigerian Army Seizes N150 Million in Stolen Oil, Cracks Down on Illegal Refineries in Niger Delta

In a major crackdown on oil theft, the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division has announced the arrest of 19 suspects and the destruction of 22 illegal refining sites across the Niger Delta. The operations, which lasted over a month, also led to the recovery of stolen petroleum products valued at approximately One Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (₦150 million).

Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Danjuma, disclosed these achievements in a statement from Port Harcourt on Monday. He stated that the coordinated military campaign, conducted in collaboration with other security agencies, targeted oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and related crimes across four states.

Recoveries and Operations by State:

The breakdown of the operations reveals extensive illegal activities:

· Bayelsa State: A large illegal refining site was shut down at Siebu Creek, with over 75,000 litres of stolen crude oil found in a massive reservoir. Further operations around Biseni and Okarki waterside led to the deactivation of more sites and the seizure of thousands of additional litres of crude.

· Rivers State: Troops uncovered significant stockpiles, including 350 sacks filled with over 10,500 litres of stolen crude in Ogale Community. In Abua/Odual LGA, a 9-kilometre hose was traced to four large illegal refining sites. Attempts to vandalize a pipeline on Bonny Island were also thwarted.

· Delta State: A truck discharging 45,000 litres of diverted product was intercepted in Agbor. Operations in Sapele and near the Otorogu Gas Plant led to arrests and the seizure of vehicles laden with illegally refined condensates.

· Akwa Ibom State: A warehouse in Abak LGA was found storing a stockpile of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).

The General Officer Commanding the 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, praised the troops for their success and urged them to maintain pressure on economic saboteurs. He also called on the public to continue supporting the security forces in protecting the region’s critical oil infrastructure.

The operations were conducted between November 23 and December 28, 2025, as part of ongoing efforts to secure the oil-rich Niger Delta region.