Military General States That He Charges Troops to Upscale Crackdowns Against Oil Thieves in Order to Create Enabling Environment for Oil Explorations and Exploitations

The Nigerian Army’s 6 Division has intensified its operations against crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta, leading to significant arrests and dismantling of illicit refineries. In a coordinated effort with other security agencies, troops arrested 39 suspected oil thieves and destroyed 18 illegal refining sites across the region. Additionally, over 60,000 litres of stolen petroleum products were confiscated during a special six-day operation spanning multiple states.

Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, detailed the operation's success, citing key interceptions in Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom states. In Rivers State, troops intercepted a twin tank containing 18,000 litres of stolen products, alongside a MAN Diesel container truck attempting to smuggle crude oil concealed with sawdust. Further seizures included thousands of litres of stolen crude oil from makeshift refining sites across the region.

In Bayelsa State, troops dismantled illegal refineries in Yenagoa and Southern Ijaw, recovering over 8,000 litres of stolen crude. Similar operations in Delta State resulted in the confiscation of large quantities of illegally refined petroleum products in Warri South LGA. In Akwa Ibom, military presence has intensified, limiting criminal activities and disrupting illicit operations.

General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, commended the troops and urged them to sustain the momentum in combating oil theft. He emphasized that these efforts are crucial in creating a stable environment for legitimate oil exploration and economic growth. Emekah warned perpetrators to abandon illegal activities and seek lawful livelihoods, as security forces remain committed to dismantling the infrastructure supporting crude oil theft in the region.