Army Seizes 350,000 Litres Of Stolen Crude Oil, Ramps Up Crackdown In South-South

In a continued effort to curb economic sabotage and illegal oil activities in the Niger Delta, the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, has dismantled 14 illegal refining sites and arrested 62 suspected oil thieves across Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom states.

The coordinated raids, which took place between July 14 and 20, 2025, led to the seizure of over 350,000 litres of stolen crude oil and illegally refined products. In Rivers State, troops targeted Joinkrama 4 in Ahoada West Local Government Area, where they dismantled six illegal refining sites containing approximately 300,000 litres of stolen crude and 21,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). Equipment such as ovens, reservoirs, a generator, and welding machines were also recovered.

In Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA (ONELGA), troops discovered additional pits filled with over 5,700 litres of stolen crude and confiscated boats and a Sienna vehicle transporting over 1,900 litres of stolen AGO. Further recovery efforts at Elele Town led to the discovery of illegal connections and large hoses used for siphoning.

In Bayelsa’s Biseni area, four refining sites were deactivated, and over 10,000 litres of stolen AGO were seized. A similar sting operation in Sapele LGA, Delta State, resulted in the arrest of two oil thieves and the seizure of 1,500 litres of illegally refined products.

Troops operating in Akwa Ibom State have maintained dominance in the area, preventing criminal elements from regrouping or operating freely.

Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, General Officer Commanding 6 Division, praised the troops for their efficiency and urged them to maintain the current momentum in disrupting the operations of economic saboteurs.

For ongoing coverage of anti-crime efforts in the region, visit fasnewsng.com.

By Folake Sokoya