TROOPS FRUSTRATE ATTEMPTS AT RE-ESTABLISHING ILLEGAL BUNKERING HUBS, DEACTIVATE SEVERAL ARTISANAL REFINERIES

Port Harcourt, Rivers State — October 5, 2025

In a sustained effort to eliminate oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and related environmental crimes in the Niger Delta Region (NDR), troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, have intensified their operations across multiple states, leading to the deactivation of eight artisanal refineries, arrest of suspected oil thieves, and seizure of over 18,000 litres of stolen crude oil.

Between 21 September and 5 October 2025, the troops, operating in conjunction with other security agencies, conducted coordinated clearance operations across Rivers, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom States. These operations were targeted at dismantling illegal refining activities and disrupting the logistics networks used by oil thieves.

In Rivers State, around Joinkrama 4 in Ahoada West LGA, troops discovered and dismantled a newly constructed illegal refining site. The site contained multiple illegal processing components, including crude receivers, ovens, drums, and pipes. Over 3,500 litres of stolen crude were recovered from the location.
Acting on actionable intelligence, troops also intercepted a red Mercedes-Benz vacuum truck with registration number AHD 925 XA, laden with 3,200 litres of stolen crude oil, along Aba Road in Oyigbo LGA. The driver fled upon sighting the approaching military personnel. Additional clearance operations around the Imo River fringes led to the dismantling of another illegal site, yielding three drum pots, two drum receivers, and over 2,000 litres of crude oil stored in sacks.

Further recoveries were made at:
• Odogwa, Etche LGA
• Obeama Uzomiri Waterside, Oyigbo LGA
• Obiafor Oil Field, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA
In Akwa Ibom State, troops on patrol along Ikot Okoro Road in Abak LGA intercepted two Toyota Camry vehicles (registration numbers ANA 495 CK and AKD 233 EQ) transporting over 3,600 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) packed in 120 nylon bags. Two suspects were arrested at the scene.
In Bayelsa State, troops uncovered 950 litres of petroleum products at House No. 70, Biseni Community, along Kemezia Road in Yenagoa LGA, believed to have been stockpiled for illegal sale or distribution.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, praised the troops for their doggedness and operational success. He reaffirmed the Division’s resolve to eradicate economic sabotage in the region and restore environmental integrity to the Niger Delta.

“Our mandate is clear — to ensure the forests remain green, the waters blue, and to maintain zero tolerance for economic crimes. We urge those involved in these illegal activities to desist and pursue lawful ventures,” the GOC stated.
These operations underscore the Nigerian Army’s continued commitment to safeguarding the country’s oil infrastructure and promoting a safe environment for socio-economic development across the Niger Delta.

DANJUMA JONAH DANJUMA
Lieutenant Colonel
Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations
6 Division, Nigerian Army
October 5, 2025