The Nigerian Army has intensified its operations against crude oil theft in the Niger Delta, dismantling a network of illegal refining sites and recovering petroleum products valued at more than ₦150 million during recent multi-state raids.
The coordinated operations were led by troops under the 6 Division, supported by other security agencies, and covered multiple hotspots across Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom States.
Military officials said the actions were part of ongoing efforts to curb economic sabotage and restore control over critical national assets.
According to the division’s public relations unit, troops uncovered several clusters of illicit refining locations where crude oil was siphoned, stored and processed without authorization.
The raids led to the seizure of large volumes of stolen crude and illegally refined automotive gas oil, alongside equipment used in the processing and distribution of the products.
In Rivers State, soldiers disrupted major illegal operations hidden within remote communities and riverine corridors.
Multiple sites were shut down, including facilities containing industrial-sized cooking pots, metal receivers and storage pits linked to crude processing activities.
Additional discoveries were made near the Imo River axis, where troops found camps equipped with drum-based refining units, makeshift storage containers and fibre boats used to move stolen products through creeks.
Officials said these camps had been operating across several adjoining communities before troops moved in to destroy the equipment.
Further north in Okrika, security personnel acting on intelligence raided a compound used as a concealed storage point. Investigators found numerous sacks packed with stolen crude oil, indicating large-scale movement of petroleum products through the area.
A separate interception at Abonnema Creek led to the seizure of a locally built boat loaded with sacks of illegally refined fuel.
Troops also extended the crackdown to Akwa Ibom and Delta States, where additional quantities of stolen products were recovered from concealed storage facilities and abandoned sites.
In some locations, suspected operators fled upon sighting soldiers, leaving behind containers, jerricans and crude-processing tools.
Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, the General Officer Commanding the 6 Division, commended the troops for maintaining persistent pressure on criminal networks.
He reiterated the Army’s commitment to eliminating activities that undermine Nigeria’s energy security and economic stability.
He also encouraged residents of the Niger Delta to support security forces with credible information to help disrupt ongoing illicit operations.
The Army said the crackdown will continue across identified hotspots, with a focus on blocking supply routes, dismantling processing hubs and preventing criminal groups from regaining control of abandoned sites.
