Operation Crackdown: 62 Oil Thieves Captured In Shocking Military Raid

In a determined crackdown on oil theft and pipeline sabotage across the Niger Delta, troops under the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army have recorded sweeping successes across four states—Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom.

The military intensified its operations, targeting illegal refining sites and disrupting criminal supply networks in a bid to safeguard national economic assets.

According to iReporter Online, the most notable success was recorded in Rivers State, where troops deactivated six illegal refining sites situated around an abandoned wellhead in Joinkrama 4, Ahoada West Local Government Area. The forces recovered six locally fabricated ovens, reservoirs, and receivers containing over 300,000 litres of stolen crude oil and 21,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).

Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 6 Division, confirmed the development in a statement. The operation, which ran from July 14 to July 20, 2025, was executed in collaboration with other security agencies.

“Our troops have not only disrupted illegal refining operations but also dismantled their critical supply networks,” the statement emphasized.

Further breakthroughs were made in Obiafor, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA), where soldiers uncovered several dug-out pits—two of which contained over 5,700 litres of stolen crude oil, while another held an unspecified quantity of AGO. Additionally, troops intercepted two boats loaded with ten sacks of condensates near the riverside.

Still in Rivers State, security forces intercepted a Sienna vehicle without number plates at Elele Town in Ikwerre LGA. The vehicle was reportedly carrying 32 sacks filled with 1,920 litres of stolen AGO. In the same operation, they discovered a dug-out pit with 1,200 litres of condensate, alongside an illegal connection point, hoses, drums, and metallic ovens used in illegal refining.

According to iReporter Online, the Nigerian Army stressed its commitment to maintaining the momentum in the fight against economic sabotage. Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma reiterated that with sustained intelligence from local communities, troops would continue to outmaneuver criminal elements and protect national interests.

In Bayelsa State, troops dismantled four illegal refining sites and four dug-out pits around the Biseni area in Yenagoa LGA. The operation led to the recovery of over 10,000 litres of stolen AGO, and the destruction of five large cooking ovens used for processing.

In Delta State, two suspected oil thieves were arrested as troops moved from Javel Sharp Sand Waterside to Gana Road in Sapele LGA. The suspects were caught with two boats carrying 30 bags filled with more than 1,500 litres of illegally refined AGO.

In Akwa Ibom, troops continued to dominate the operational terrain, maintaining pressure on illegal refining operators and making it increasingly difficult for them to operate.

According to iReporter Online, this sustained effort is already yielding results, as criminal networks struggle to evade the tightened military presence.

Major General Emmanuel Emekah, General Officer Commanding the 6 Division, lauded the troops’ relentless efforts and urged them to maintain the operational tempo. “The troops must sustain the pressure to deny saboteurs the freedom to wreak havoc on our economy,” he said.

The Army also called on the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with security forces by providing timely and credible information that could aid in tracking down perpetrators of oil-related crimes.

”IREPORTER REPORTS”