War on Oil Pirates: Nigerian Army Intensifies Battle Against Illegal Oil Activities in Niger Delta
In a concerted effort to combat oil theft and illegal refining operations in the Niger Delta, the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division, in collaboration with other security agencies, has executed a series of successful operations resulting in the arrest of 29 suspects and the dismantling of 24 illicit refining sites. These operations have also led to the recovery of over 60,000 liters of stolen petroleum.
Between February 3 and 9, 2025, troops conducted clearance operations along the Imo River, dismantling six illegal refining sites. During these raids, 113 drum pots and 83 drum receivers were destroyed, and two boats used for transporting stolen crude were demobilized. The operations also led to the recovery of more than 18,000 liters of pilfered petroleum products.
In Obigbo, Rivers State, a concealed reservoir containing over 1,000 liters of stolen crude oil was uncovered, alongside 100 sacks filled with approximately 1,500 liters of illicitly obtained products. Similarly, in the Buguma area of Asari-Toru Local Government Area, soldiers raided an illegal refining site equipped with two large refining pots and two receivers, one of which contained over 9,000 liters of stolen crude oil.
Further operations extended to Ebocha Well 5, where troops discovered 28 empty locally-made ovens and reservoirs filled with 5,900 liters of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and 3,500 liters of stolen crude oil. Additionally, 37 sacks containing over 2,220 liters of illegally refined AGO were seized, and one suspect was apprehended at the scene.
In the Kumufari Creek area of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, an illegal refining site was identified, along with a 200-meter hose connected to a reservoir containing over 1,500 liters of stolen products. In Delta State, acting on intelligence regarding illegal bunkering in Okpai Oluchi, Ndokwa East Local Government Area, troops confiscated over 2,800 liters of stolen crude oil from 70 sacks found near a pipeline belonging to SEEPCO Energy Company.
The operations also led to the interception of a Sienna bus in Isoko South Local Government Area, registered as Lagos APP 89 CV, loaded with 15 sacks of illegally refined AGO. The suspect abandoned the vehicle and fled upon sighting the troops.
In Bayelsa State, two illegal refining sites were destroyed at the boundary between Joinkrama 4 in Yenagoa Local Government Area and Okarki in Ahoada West Local Government Area. Additionally, around Biseni at the bank of the River Niger and Akpedi community in Yenagoa Local Government Area, as well as Akinima in Ahoada West Local Government Area, troops intercepted 2,500 liters of AGO in sacks.
The Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating illegal refining and oil theft in the Niger Delta, warning that security forces will sustain their crackdown on economic sabotage in the region. The public is encouraged to support these efforts by providing timely information to security agencies to aid in the fight against oil theft and associated criminal activities.