In a major breakthrough in the fight against oil theft, the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division has launched a series of successful operations in the Niger Delta Region. Between December 30, 2024, and January 5, 2025, troops dismantled 20 illegal refining sites, arrested 11 suspected oil thieves, and destroyed 31 boats used for transporting stolen products.
These operations were part of a broader effort to disrupt the network of criminal enterprise run by oil thieves in the region. One notable success was the discovery of four oil sewage containers holding over 70,000 litres of stolen crude at Oando Wellhead. Troops also seized a suction machine and 700 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) at the site.
Other significant operations took place in Amalaghakiri, where two illegal refining sites were dismantled and over 15,000 litres of stolen products were confiscated. In Oyeregbene, troops destroyed an illegal refining site and handled over 1,500 litres of stolen products. Additionally, four boats carrying over 22,000 litres of stolen products were intercepted in Rivers State, and an illegal connection point was discovered on Oando Pipeline.
In Delta State, troops intercepted two vehicles carrying over 150 cellphone bags filled with over 7,500 litres of stolen products. Meanwhile, in Akwa Ibom State, eight drums of premium motor spirit, estimated to be 2,240 litres, were seized at Ibaka beach. The products were suspected to be destined for smuggling to a neighbouring country.
Major General Jamal Abdussalam, the General Officer Commanding 6 Division Nigerian Army, praised the troops for their resilience and urged them to continue their efforts. He emphasized that these operations would help create a secure environment for socio-economic activities to flourish in the region. Abdussalam also appealed to the public to provide intelligence on the activities of economic saboteurs in the region.
