Troops from the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division have dismantled 32 illegal refineries, arrested 15 suspected oil thieves, and seized over 60,000 litres of stolen petroleum products across the Niger Delta region in a series of operations carried out between January 6 and 12, 2025.
According to a statement from the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, the operations were conducted in collaboration with other security agencies, leading to the destruction of illegal refining sites and the interception of stolen crude oil.
The troops targeted areas in Degema Local Government Area, where seven illegal refining sites were discovered. Other raids resulted in the destruction of illegal refining infrastructure, the recovery of stolen oil, and the arrest of suspects engaged in illegal oil activities.
Operations also uncovered illicit refining sites and crude oil storage in various locations, including Odagwa in Etche LGA and the Buguma area of Asari-Toru LGA. Troops also seized boats and recovered large quantities of stolen petroleum products.
Major General Jamal Abdussalam, the General Officer Commanding the 6 Division, commended the troops for their successful operations in curbing oil theft and sabotage, encouraging them to maintain momentum in ensuring the security of the nation’s oil resources.
