Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, has deactivated eight artisanal refineries as part of ongoing efforts to curb oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and other associated crimes in the Niger Delta Region.
The Troops also arrested several suspected oil thieves and confiscated over 18,000 litres of stolen crude oil during the operations.
According to a statement on Sunday by the Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the operations were conducted between 21 September and 5 October 2025, in collaboration with other security agencies.
Danjuma explained that troops dismantled a newly constructed illegal refining site at Joinkrama 4 in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State, where several items, including receivers, ovens, drums, and pipes, were destroyed.
Over 3,500 litres of stolen crude oil were also recovered.
He added that troops intercepted a red Mercedes-Benz vacuum truck loaded with over 3,200 litres of stolen crude oil along Aba Road in Oyigbo LGA, noting that the driver abandoned the vehicle and fled upon sighting the soldiers.
“The truck, with registration number AHD 925 XA, was loaded with over 3,200 litres of stolen crude and was intercepted along Aba Road in Oyigbo LGA.
“The driver abandoned the vehicle and fled on sighting troops,” he said.
The statement further disclosed that troops carried out clearance operations along the fringes of the Imo River, where they deactivated another illegal refining site containing three drum pots, two drum receivers, and over 2,000 litres of stolen crude oil stockpiled in sacks.
Additional seizures were made in Odogwa (Etche LGA), Obeama Uzomiri Waterside (Oyigbo LGA), and Obiafor Oil Field (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA).
In Akwa Ibom State, troops intercepted two Toyota Camry vehicles conveying 120 nylon bags filled with over 3,600 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) along Ikot Okoro, Abak LGA, and arrested two suspects linked to the seizures.
“In Akwa Ibom State, troops intercepted two Toyota Camry vehicles with registration numbers ANA 495 CK and AKD 233 EQ conveying 120 nylon bags filled with over 3,600 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) along Ikot Okoro, Abak LGA.
“Two suspects were apprehended in connection with the seizures,” the statement added.
Similarly, in Bayelsa State, troops uncovered over 950 litres of stolen petroleum products around Biseni Community, along Kemezia Road, at an abandoned House No. 70 in Yenagoa LGA.
“While in Bayelsa State, around Biseni Community along Kemezia Road, at an abandoned House No 70 in Yenagoa LGA, troops uncovered over 950 litres of stolen petroleum products.”
Meanwhile, the General Officer Commanding, GOC, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, commended the troops for their resilience and commitment to protecting national assets.
Emekah urged criminal elements in the Niger Delta to desist from illegal activities and embrace lawful means of livelihood.
He stated that the Division under his leadership will ensure “our forest remains green and waters blue, with zero tolerance for any form of economic sabotage in the region.”
Army destroys eight illegal refineries in Niger Delta