Troops of the 6 Division Nigerian Army have successfully dismantled 21 illegal refining sites, apprehended 36 suspected oil thieves, and confiscated over 591,000 litres of stolen products throughout the Niger Delta region. According to a statement released by the army, these significant achievements, conducted in synergy with other security agencies, occurred between April 28 and May 11, 2025, as part of the ongoing crackdown on oil theft and pipeline vandalism.

Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, highlighted the remarkable successes of these operations, which included the discovery of large-scale illegal bunkering hubs. In Rivers State, troops discovered and traced a hose extending over 15 kilometres, connected to an illegal loading point located in the Orashi Game Reserve/Okolomade area of Abua/Odual Local Council. Furthermore, the troops destroyed five illegal refining sites, including a large metal tank containing over 350,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO). A large oven and a massive dugout containing over 100,000 litres of stolen crude were also handled according to their operational mandate. Several items, such as a pumping machine, borehole, electric cables, and sockets, were recovered from the scene.

In additional operations, troops destroyed seven illegal refining sites and confiscated 1,428 bags of stolen products, estimated to contain over 21,500 litres of crude oil, near the Imo River. Five boats used for illicit activities were demobilised, and 38 drum pots and 15 drum receivers were destroyed. A truck with registration number EFR 302 XA was intercepted at Elelenwa, Eleme Local Council, carrying 20,000 litres of stolen products. In Otokolomabie and Coconut Estate in Bonny Local Government Area, a Pureputt boat hidden in the creeks was discovered with over 10,000 litres of stolen products.

In Bayelsa State, troops intercepted a DAF XF380 tanker truck with registration number ABM 210 XA, loaded with 45,000 litres of stolen AGO, and apprehended three suspected oil thieves. A wooden boat containing over 1,000 litres of stolen crude was found concealed in a creek between Oyeregbene and Babragbene communities in Southern Ijaw Local Council. In Akwa Ibom State, a tanker truck with registration number DAM 97 XA, suspected of conveying over 16,500 litres of stolen crude, was intercepted at Ring Road 2 in Uyo Local Council; the driver fled upon sighting the troops.

In Delta State, troops pursued and intercepted two Toyota Camry vehicles with registration numbers WWR 542 AJ and GB JI 70 AA at Ada-Inri Community, finding them loaded with over 1,250 litres of illegally refined AGO. Additionally, in the Egbokodo area of Warri South Local Council, 38 sacks filled with over 1,175 litres of stolen crude, hidden in the bush, were recovered.