Troops Dismantle 13 Illegal Oil Bunkering Sites, Recover Over 300,000 Litres of Stolen Products
Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, have intensified efforts to combat oil theft, dismantling 13 illegal oil bunkering sites and recovering over 300,000 litres of stolen petroleum products from January 20 to 26, 2025. The operations also led to the arrest of 15 suspects, the deactivation of over 150 locally fabricated ovens, and the demobilization of four boats.
In Edo State, troops raided a vandalized point at Ugo Community in Orhionmwon Local Government Area, recovering 252,000 litres of crude oil stored in a large pool. Equipment including pumps, hoses, and pipes used for siphoning oil was also confiscated. Similarly, in Delta State’s Ethiope West Local Government Area, a red 30,000-litre DAF tanker truck without a plate number was intercepted while siphoning crude from PAN Ocean Nigeria Limited’s pipeline, with over 15,000 litres already stolen.
In Rivers State, operations along the Imo River corridor yielded the confiscation of 10,000 litres of stolen products and the dismantling of an illegal refining site at Odagwa. Troops discovered active refining camps in Owaza, forcing the criminals to flee. A follow-up operation recovered a pump-action gun.
Other successes included dismantling clusters of illegal refining sites in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA) and Abalama Community in Asari-Toru Local Government Area. Over 1,500 litres of refined products, 145 locally made oven drums, and 5,700 litres of stolen AGO (Automotive Gas Oil) were recovered. Eight suspects were arrested during the operation in ONELGA.
Troops also raided refining camps in Abua/Odual Local Government Area and Ikot Ekpene in Akwa Ibom State, recovering stolen products stored in boilers, reservoirs, and polythene bags. In Bayelsa State, two illegal refining sites in Brass Local Government Area were dismantled, and 5,000 litres of crude oil were confiscated.
Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, General Officer Commanding 6 Division, commended the troops for their vigilance and warned criminals to desist from economic sabotage or face intensified operations. He urged perpetrators to embrace legitimate livelihoods as the crackdown continues.
