Army destroys eight illegal refineries, seize 18,000L crude in N'delta

The Nigerian Army’s 6 Division has dismantled eight illegal oil refineries, arrested several suspects, and confiscated over 18,000 litres of stolen crude oil across the Niger Delta, reinforcing its campaign against oil theft and pipeline vandalism.

Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah, disclosed that the operations, conducted between September 21 and October 5, 2025, targeted criminal black spots in Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa States using both kinetic and non kinetic strategies.

In Rivers State, troops destroyed newly constructed illegal refining sites in Ahoada West, Oyigbo, and Etche LGAs, recovering over 8,700 litres of stolen crude, along with ovens, drums, and pipes. A red Mercedes-Benz vacuum truck carrying 3,200 litres of crude was also intercepted.

In Akwa Ibom, two vehicles carrying 3,600 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil were seized in Abak LGA, while Bayelsa operations uncovered nearly 950 litres of stolen petroleum products at an abandoned house in Yenagoa LGA.

Major General Emmanuel Emekah, General Officer Commanding 6 Division, commended troops for their resilience and warned criminal elements to abandon illegal activities, stressing zero tolerance for economic sabotage in the region.

The operations are part of the Army’s broader effort to secure the Niger Delta and support legitimate socio economic activities.