The operation took place from March 24 to 30, 2025, and involved collaboration with various sister security agencies, as stated by Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations.
In his statement, Danjuma reported that security forces seized over 60,000 litres of stolen petroleum products and dismantled illegal refining operations. In Rivers State, troops successfully intercepted a customized twin tank containing 18,000 litres of stolen crude on Ochokocho Road in the Etche Local Government Area. They also captured a MAN Diesel truck, registration number LXA 44 XA, which was caught trying to smuggle stolen petroleum concealed in bags of sawdust. The suspects abandoned the truck upon noticing the security forces.
Further operations along the Imo River resulted in the dismantling of several illegal refining sites, with over 15,000 litres of stolen products recovered. The efforts extended to Rumuekpe Forest in Ahoada East LGA, where two additional refining sites were destroyed, leading to the confiscation of 2,800 litres of stolen crude oil.
Similar actions occurred in Ebocha and Omoku (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA), as well as in Jelikri Creek in the Degema Local Government Area, where illegal refining sites, drum ovens, hoses, and metal pipes were eliminated.
The Army's statement documented notable achievements in Bayelsa State, particularly in the Yenagoa LGA, where two illegal refining sites holding over 8,000 litres of stolen crude in drums and sacks were dismantled. In Southern Ijaw LGA, troops uncovered another operation, confiscating 1,500 litres of crude oil and 300 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
In Delta State, efforts to combat crude oil theft continued in the Egbokodo Itsekiri Community in Warri South Local Government Area, where several jerricans containing illegally refined AGO were seized, along with the destruction of storage materials related to this illicit trade.
The statement mentioned that troops in Akwa Ibom State have established a strong presence, effectively preventing criminal activities in the area.
Major General Emmanuel Emekah, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the division, emphasized the army’s determination to eradicate crude oil theft, stating, “Our troops will continue to pursue oil thieves relentlessly and safeguard Nigeria’s resources. Anyone involved in illegal refining must make a change or be ready to face severe legal consequences.”
He reaffirmed the army’s position, indicating, “We will not waver in our efforts to maintain a secure environment where legitimate exploration activities can flourish without criminal disruptions.”
The Nigerian Army urged local residents to report any suspicious activities as security forces ramp up their initiatives to combat crude oil theft and other illegal operations in the Niger Delta region.
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