Army destroys 19 illegal refineries in Niger Delta

Operatives of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army have destroyed 19 illegal refineries in the Niger Delta region.

They also arrested 12 suspects and recovered 138,000 litres of stolen products

The Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Sunday.

He said, “Troops of 6 Division Nigerian Army, while consolidating on the operational gains recorded, conducted a series of operations from 17 – 23 March 2025.

“These operations resulted in the destruction of 19 artisanal refineries, with 12 suspected oil thieves arrested, as well as over 138,000 litres of stolen products confiscated across the Joint Operations Area. The operations were carried out jointly with other security agencies in the JOA.

“In accordance with the drive, several intelligence-led operations were conducted in Rivers State, which led to the interception of a tanker laden with 60,000 litres of stolen crude around Apajo – Iwoji – Iwofe road in Obio Akpor Local Government Area.

“The driver fled and abandoned the truck on sighting the troops. Furthermore, a search was conducted on the truck, which led to the recovery of multiple plate numbers.“Similarly, clearance operations were conducted at the fringes of the Imo River, which resulted in the deactivation of numerous artisanal refineries, 64 drum pots and 15 drum receivers with over 4,500 litres of stolen products recovered.

“While at Kumufari Creek in Degema LGA, troops discovered an abandoned oven, with 40 sacks filled with over 1,200 litres of stolen crude. Additionally, at the Okotokolomabia/Okoloma Lounge area in Bonny Island LGA, troops raided a site where suspected oil thieves fled and abandoned their equipment. At the site, various items were recovered, including a 6 KVA generator, one wielding machine, 5 drilling machines, two drilling cups, 38 bolts and nuts, amongst several other items.”

Continuing, he said, “Relatedly, troops raided seven illegal bunkering camps around Joinkrama 4 and Biseni in Ahoada West and Yenagoa LGAs of Rivers and Bayelsa States, respectively.

“During the raid, illegal refining sites were destroyed with over 25,000 litres of stolen crude and 850 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil recovered respectively. Other items recovered included two wheelbarrows and a wooden boat.

“This was in addition to over 1,550 litres of stolen crude in cellophane bags on the waterways. Similar seizures were also made at Obiafu in Ogba/ Egbema/ Ndoni LGA.”