Nigerian troops destroy oil bunkering sites and arrest 28 suspects. (Pic: Theguardian
In an extensive, multi-agency campaign aimed at ending oil theft, troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, have dismantled 18 illegal oil bunkering sites and apprehended 28 suspects in coordinated operations across the Niger Delta.
72,000 litres of Crude Stolen in Oil Bunkering
The military said the raids, conducted between April 7 and 13, reflected an escalating push by the Nigerian military to disrupt criminal oil networks undermining national economic security.
Troops, acting on precise intelligence, executed ground operations across Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom states. These missions, according to military sources, led to the recovery of over 72,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.
“Desist or Be Ready,” GOC Warns Saboteurs
While commending the success of the mission, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, declared, “The Nigerian Army will not relent in its efforts to rid the region of economic saboteurs. Anyone involved in oil theft and environmental vandalism should either desist or be ready to face the full consequences of their actions.”
He emphasized the Army’s unwavering commitment to securing the region and preserving vital national assets from persistent illegal refining operations.
Forest Labs and Hidden Pipelines
One of the most significant busts occurred in Joinkrama 4 Forest, Ahoada West Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State, where soldiers uncovered a newly constructed illegal refining site. The discovery included welding and cutting tools and multiple metal drums intended for refining crude.
At De Tropicana Hotel in the same area, troops intercepted two Toyota Camry sedans loaded with over 1,300 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). The drivers fled, abandoning the contraband.
Further operations near Krakrama Wellhead 12 in Bille, Degema LGA, saw three suspects arrested while allegedly attempting to breach critical oil infrastructure. Three wooden boats ferrying more than 1,500 litres of stolen crude were also recovered.
Raids Stretch Across Four States
In Okarki, follow-up raids yielded four additional arrests and the seizure of illegal refining equipment. Meanwhile, along the Imo River, troops shut down six clandestine sites, destroying 41 drum pots and 18 receivers, and seizing over 11,000 litres of crude stored in 540 sacks.
Delta State forces seized a canter truck, Ford bus, and a fuel tanker on the Koko–Obitigbo road, all carrying over 25,200 litres of pilfered fuel. Another tanker containing more than 10,000 litres of stolen crude was intercepted in Koko town.
In Sapele LGA’s Oton–Urakpa axis, troops uncovered a concealed refining camp holding 100 bags of AGO, equating to over 3,350 litres, alongside industrial-grade ovens, hoses, and piping networks built to siphon oil from pipelines.
Dug-Out Pits and Pitfalls
Bayelsa State troops operating in Biseni Community, Yenagoa LGA, deactivated three refining camps. Over 2,100 litres of crude stored in pit reservoirs were recovered. Another 1,500 litres were seized in Okordia, where yet another refining hub was shut down.
In Akwa Ibom’s Okobo LGA, troops intercepted jerricans filled with refined AGO during a routine security patrol along the Okobo–Uyo road.
Army Resolute Against Oil Criminals
Major General Emekah’s warning underscores the Army’s readiness to protect national resources. “We will continue to neutralize these bunkering operations,” he said, “to ensure the stability and security of the Niger Delta.”
All apprehended suspects are now in custody and have been handed over to security agencies for investigation and prosecution. Recovered petroleum products are being processed under strict environmental and military safety protocols.
This latest operation highlights the ongoing challenges posed by sophisticated oil theft syndicates in the Niger Delta. A recent Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) report estimates the country loses billions annually to illegal oil refining and pipeline sabotage.
In March, a similar military operation conducted with the support of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) resulted in the destruction of over 50 sites and prevented further environmental damage.
As efforts continue, experts from Transparency International warn that systemic corruption and weak enforcement remain major obstacles to fully eradicating oil theft in the region.
