Nigerian Army Foils Oil Thieves, Dismantles 11 Illegal Refining Sites

Strategic Insights -

The 6th Division of the Nigerian Army, in a series of operations between June 30 and July 13, 2025, thwarted attempts by oil thieves and other criminals to regain a foothold in the Niger Delta region. The operations resulted in the dismantling of 11 illegal refining sites, the arrest of 50 suspected oil thieves, and the confiscation of 25,000 litres of stolen products.

Key Takeaways:

  • The operations were conducted in collaboration with other security agencies at different fronts in the Niger Delta region.
  • In Rivers state, troops sustained a clampdown on attempts to re-establish new illegal bunkering hubs, including dismantling existing camps.
  • Along the Imo River, seven illegal refining sites, 35 drum pots, 14 drum receivers, and three big coolants were destroyed, and over 6,000 litres of crude oil were recovered.
  • The recoveries were made in Obuzor and Ozaa West in Ukwa West and Abia and Rivers states.
  • An illegal refining site was dismantled at Obiafor in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, with 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 handled.
  • The operations involved the arrest of 50 suspected oil thieves and the confiscation of 25,000 litres of stolen products.
  • The Nigerian Army's Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, stated that the operations were conducted in line with the operational mandate.

Statistics:

  • 11 illegal refining sites were dismantled.
  • 50 suspected oil thieves were arrested.
  • 25,000 litres of stolen products were confiscated.
  • 7 illegal refining sites were destroyed along the Imo River.
  • 35 drum pots, 14 drum receivers, and 3 big coolants were destroyed along the Imo River.
  • Over 6,000 litres of crude oil were recovered along the Imo River.
  • 3,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 2,000 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), and 1,000 litres of crude oil were handled at the dismantled site in Obiafor.

Sources:

  • A statement issued by Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Sunday in Port Harcourt.