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During a six-day operation conducted in collaboration with other security agencies, troops seized over 60,000 litres of stolen petroleum products. Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 6 Division, confirmed the development in a statement from Port Harcourt.

According to the statement, the operation took place from March 24 to 30, 2025, across the Joint Operations Area, targeting crude oil theft and related crimes. The crackdown led to the confiscation of stolen products and the dismantling of illegal refining infrastructure.

In Rivers State, troops intercepted a fabricated twin tank with 18,000 litres of stolen products along Ochokocho Road in Etche Local Government Area. Additionally, a MAN Diesel container truck (Reg. LXA 44 XA), attempting to smuggle stolen petroleum concealed under sawdust, was abandoned by suspects who fled on sighting the troops.

The operations extended to the Imo River, where several illegal refining sites were dismantled, and over 15,000 litres of stolen crude were recovered. In Ahoada East LGA, troops seized two illegal refining sites containing over 2,800 litres of stolen products.

Further raids took place around Ebocha, Omoku, and Jelikri Creek in Degema LGA, where illegal refining sites, drum ovens, hoses, and metal pipes were destroyed.

Successes in Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom

In Bayelsa State, troops dismantled illegal refining sites in Yenagoa and Southern Ijaw LGAs. At Adibawa in Yenagoa LGA, two illegal sites with over 8,000 litres of stolen crude were uncovered, while at Okighene in Southern Ijaw LGA, 1,500 litres of crude oil and 300 litres of illegally refined AGO were seized.

In Delta State, troops raided illegal refining sites in Warri South LGA, specifically at Egbokodo Itsekiri Community, confiscating jerricans filled with illegally refined AGO and destroying materials used for the illicit trade.

In Akwa Ibom State, increased surveillance has helped deter oil theft, with troops actively monitoring and preventing illegal activities. The Army reiterated its commitment to combating crude oil theft and ensuring the safety of oil-rich regions.