Crushing the Crude: Army Blitz dismantles 18 Illegal Refineries, nabs 17 suspects in Niger Delta crackdown

In a relentless assault against economic sabotage, troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division have delivered a crippling blow to illegal oil refining operations across the Niger Delta. A week-long offensive, spanning February 17-23, 2025, saw the dismantling of 18 clandestine refineries, the apprehension of 17 suspected oil thieves, and the seizure of over 25,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.

Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah, Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army, revealed the operation’s sweeping success, citing significant breakthroughs in Rivers, Bayelsa, and Delta States. Rivers State, particularly the Kilometre 45 and Idama areas of Akuku-Toru Local Council, bore witness to the destruction of two active refining sites and the interception of three crude-laden wooden boats. A daring highway seizure at Ogale Junction saw a truck carrying over 3,000 litres of stolen crude impounded, while a hidden oil bunkering dump at Okwuzi yielded over 2,100 litres of illegally refined AGO.

The offensive continued unabated in Bayelsa State, with the obliteration of three refining sites at Clough Creek and another in Biseni, resulting in the recovery of thousands of litres of stolen crude and vital refining equipment. In Delta State, a dramatic interception of a Toyota Camry carrying illicit AGO at Oton Village led to the arrest of six suspects, further disrupting the intricate web of illegal operations.

Major General Emmanuel Emekah, General Officer Commanding 6 Division, lauded the troops’ unwavering commitment and urged them to maintain the operational momentum. “Continued pressure will deny economic saboteurs the freedom to perpetrate their activities in the region,” he declared, underscoring the army’s resolve to safeguard the nation’s resources.

This decisive operation signals a powerful deterrent to those profiting from the illicit trade, reinforcing the Nigerian Army’s commitment to securing the Niger Delta and protecting the country’s economic lifeline.