The Nigerian Army’s 6 Division, in collaboration with other security agencies, has recorded significant successes in its ongoing anti-Crude Oil Theft (COT) operations in the Niger Delta Region.

Between May 19 and 25, 2025, troops successfully dismantled 19 illegal refining sites and apprehended 20 suspected oil thieves.

According to the Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, over 589,000 litres of stolen products, including Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO) and crude oil, were recovered during the operations.

The operations were conducted in various locations, including Okolomade, Orashi, and Ozochi Forests in Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State, and Ndoni in Ogba/Ndoni/Egbema Local Government Area.

He said that in Delta State, troops uncovered an illegal refining site at Jeddo in Okpe LGA, where over 1,000 litres of stolen products stored in polythene bags were recovered.

Likewise, at Ogbu Aladja in Warri South LGA, troops deactivated a number of illegal refining sites, with several sacks filled with unquantified illegally refined AGO recovered.

Similarly, Danjuma stated that in Bayelsa State, troops dismantled an illegal refining site around Biseni in Yenagoa LGA, with four cooking ovens, drums, and receivers destroyed, as well as several litres of stolen products confiscated.

Meanwhile, in Akwa Ibom State, troops have dominated both the land, waterways, and the Creeks, effectively denying economic saboteurs and associated criminals freedom of action.

“The apprehended oil thieves were handed over to the appropriate agency for prosecution, while products confiscated have been handled in line with the extant operational mandate,” he said.

Meanwhile, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, has reassured that troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, will continue to intensify efforts at identifying other illegal refining sites and ensure they are dismantled.

This, the GOC maintained, will create an enabling environment for legitimate exploration activities to thrive in the region.