The soldiers of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army have maintained their operations in the Niger Delta, resulting in the arrest of 19 individuals involved in oil theft and the dismantling of 22 illegal bunkering sites in the area.
Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 6 Division, Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah, announced on December 29, 2025, that the operations carried out in collaboration with other security agencies have allowed the army to effectively control the operational environment and restrict the activities of criminal elements throughout the Niger Delta.
“During various operations, 19 suspected oil thieves were apprehended, 22 illegal refining sites were destroyed, and over 180,000 liters of stolen products, valued at more than N150 million, were recovered,” he stated.
The operations took place between November 23 and December 28, 2025, focusing on oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and related crimes in the Niger Delta Region.
Danjuma highlighted that in Bayelsa State, specifically at Siebu Creek in Ogbienbiri, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, an illegal refining site was shut down, which contained a large reservoir holding over 75,000 liters of stolen crude oil, along with a recovered pumping machine.
“In Biseni, Yenagoa Local Government Area, troops carried out multiple operations that led to the closure of several illegal refining sites, resulting in the recovery of over 17,000 liters of stolen products.
“At Okarki waterside in Ogbia Local Government Area, troops intercepted a large Cotonou boat hidden along the riverbank, loaded with 37 sacks containing 2,775 liters of stolen crude,” he added.
The spokesperson for the 6 Division noted that in Rivers State, at Ogale Community in Eleme Local Government Area, troops discovered 350 sacks with over 10,500 liters of stolen crude.
“In Okarki Forest, Ahoada West Local Government Area, troops destroyed two illegal refining sites and recovered sacks and a reservoir containing over 3,000 liters of stolen crude.
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“A similar operation took place in Orashi Forest, Abua/Odual Local Government Area, where troops traced a long hose extending over 9 kilometers, leading to four illegal refining sites, each equipped with large ovens capable of holding 30,000 liters, along with receivers and dugout pits containing over 7,000 liters of crude oil.
“Additionally, a pumping machine with five large reservoirs was destroyed. At Okolomade, also in Abua/Odual Local Government Area, 31 sacks containing 2,325 liters of stolen crude, hidden in the bush along the Okomade–Otuasega Road, were confiscated.
“Troops also received reliable information about a bold attempt by suspected oil thieves to tamper with a pipeline near Gbonga Forest in Bonny Island Local Government Area.
“Troops quickly mobilized to the location and made significant recoveries, including a rubber hose, a shovel, a manifold valve head, and four bags of waterproof nylon,” he added.
