The Nigerian Army has ramped up its efforts to curb crude oil theft, urging citizens to report suspicious activities as part of a broader security strategy. In a recent large-scale operation, troops of the 6 Division arrested 39 suspected oil thieves and dismantled 18 illegal refining sites across Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom states.
Between March 24 and 30, 2025, security forces confiscated over 60,000 litres of stolen petroleum products and destroyed illegal refining equipment used for illicit activities. In Rivers State, troops intercepted an inbuilt fabricated twin tank carrying 18,000 litres of stolen crude oil. Additionally, they seized a truck attempting to smuggle petroleum products concealed in sawdust.
Military operations along key hotspots—including the Imo River, Rumuekpe Forest, and other high-risk locations—led to the recovery of thousands of litres of stolen crude oil. In Bayelsa, security forces discovered over 8,000 litres of stolen crude in Yenagoa, while troops in Delta State raided Egbokodo Itsekiri, where they seized large quantities of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
Speaking on the operations, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, reaffirmed the military’s commitment to eliminating oil theft and safeguarding Nigeria’s natural resources. He warned perpetrators to abandon such illegal activities or face the full weight of the law.
Authorities have reiterated their determination to dismantle the extensive network of oil theft syndicates that have been draining the country’s economy and harming the environment. With the ongoing crackdown, security forces are calling on communities to cooperate by providing intelligence that could lead to further arrests and the shutdown of more illegal refineries.
