Crime

Nigerian Army Seizes 350,000 Litres of Stolen Fuel, Shuts Down 14 Illegal Refineries in Niger Delta

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 22nd, 2025.

Nigerian Army Seizes 350,000 Litres of Stolen Fuel, Shuts Down 14 Illegal Refineries in Niger Delta

In a sweeping security operation targeting oil theft and illegal refining, troops from the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division, in coordination with other security agencies, have arrested 62 suspects, dismantled 14 illegal refineries, and confiscated over 350,000 litres of stolen fuel across the Niger Delta between July 14 and 20, 2025.

This was revealed by Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, in a press briefing reported by The Bureau Newspaper. The multi-agency operation spanned key hotspots in Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom states.

—

Illegal Oil Operations Busted in Rivers State

In Rivers State’s Ahoada West Local Government Area, troops uncovered six illegal refining camps near an abandoned oil well in Joinkrama 4. The sites were equipped with massive crude oil processing facilities, including large ovens and storage tanks containing approximately 300,000 litres of stolen crude and 21,000 litres of illegally refined diesel (AGO).

Military personnel also recovered various industrial tools from the area, such as a generator, welding machines, and other refining equipment.

At another location in Obiafor, ONELGA, troops dismantled additional refining setups. They discovered three underground storage pits — two of which held over 5,700 litres of crude oil, while the third was filled with an unmeasured quantity of diesel. Two boats loaded with ten sacks of oil condensates were also seized.

—

Further Seizures in Ikwerre and Bayelsa

In Elele Town, Ikwerre LGA, troops intercepted a Sienna vehicle—unregistered and loaded with 32 sacks of illegally refined diesel, totaling roughly 1,920 litres. A nearby inspection led to the discovery of an illicit tapping point and a storage pit containing 1,200 litres of oil condensates.

Additional equipment recovered from the location included three industrial hoses (each 150 meters long), eight steel drums, and several makeshift refining ovens.

In Bayelsa’s Yenagoa LGA (Biseni area), the Army uncovered and dismantled four illegal refining camps and dug-out pits, seizing over 10,000 litres of refined diesel and destroying five crude oil cooking ovens in the process.

—

Arrests in Delta and Surveillance in Akwa Ibom

Acting on intelligence, troops in Delta State raided the Gana Road area of Sapele LGA, where two individuals were caught with two boats loaded with 30 cellophane bags of refined diesel, estimated at over 1,500 litres.

In Akwa Ibom, the military intensified its patrol and surveillance in high-risk zones, effectively disrupting criminal oil operations and keeping illegal activities at bay.

—

Army Leadership Praises Troops’ Efforts

Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 6 Division, lauded the troops for their dedication and successful execution of the operation. He encouraged them to remain vigilant and maintain momentum to prevent oil thieves and economic saboteurs from regrouping.

“Our actions clearly demonstrate the Army’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s natural assets,” the GOC said. “We will continue to maintain control of the operational zones and ensure oil criminals have no room to operate.”