Oil Theft Crackdown Niger Delta: Army arrests 62, destroys 14 illegal refineries, and seizes 350,000 litres of stolen oil in a major anti-bunkering operation across four states.
By NIGPOST Investigative Desk | July 21, 2025
The ongoing oil theft crackdown Niger Delta campaign has intensified as the Nigerian Army carried out a series of coordinated military operations between July 14 and July 20, 2025.
In a determined effort to protect the nation’s oil assets and weaken the illicit bunkering economy,
troops of the 6 Division Nigerian Army stormed multiple illegal refining sites across Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom States.
As a result, the operation led to the arrest of 62 suspected oil thieves, the destruction of 14 illegal refineries,
and the recovery of more than 350,000 litres of stolen crude and refined petroleum products.
This marks one of the most aggressive anti-bunkering efforts in recent years.
Targeted Raids Disrupt Oil Crime Networks
The oil theft crackdown Niger Delta operation was not just a show of force; it was a deeply strategic assault on organized economic sabotage.
Relying on credible intelligence and surveillance, troops advanced into remote communities known for illegal oil refining.
In Rivers State, operations were carried out in Joinkrama 4 (Ahoada West LGA), Obiafor (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA), and Elele Town (Ikwerre LGA).
Here, troops discovered extensive refining setups, including open-air cooking ovens, reservoirs, dug-out pits, hoses, metal drums, and large generators.
In Joinkrama, six active refining sites were deactivated. These facilities were loaded with roughly 300,000 litres of stolen crude oil and 21,000 litres of AGO (diesel).
However, in Obiafor, the troops dismantled multiple dug-out pits two filled with over 5,700 litres of crude oil, and another with a large but unmeasured volume of refined AGO.
Two boats filled with sacks of fuel condensates were intercepted.
At the riverside, another stash of illegal fuel was recovered, clearly prepared for transport.
Meanwhile, in Elele, troops intercepted a Sienna vehicle without license plates, stuffed with 32 sacks filled with approximately 1,920 litres of illegally refined AGO.
These seizures dealt a serious blow to the syndicates profiting off Nigeria’s natural resources.
Bayelsa: More Than Just Hidden Refineries
In Bayelsa State, the crackdown continued with heavy momentum.
Troops moved into the Biseni community in Yenagoa LGA, where they uncovered four dug-out refining pits hidden beneath dense mangrove thickets.
These pits were filled with over 10,000 litres of stolen AGO, a product of illegal refining activities.
Furthermore, five makeshift crude oil ovens were dismantled to prevent future use.
According to field reports, these ovens were designed to operate in secrecy, often emitting minimal smoke and noise making them harder to detect without strong intelligence.
The Nigerian Army confirmed that its personnel have been combing creeks, riversides,
and swamp trails in the region, determined to uncover and destroy every illegal operation they find.
Delta State: Speed and Strategy
The oil theft crackdown Niger Delta campaign also gained ground in Delta State.
Following a credible tip-off, troops moved quickly from Javel Sharp Sand Waterside and headed toward Gana Road in Sapele LGA.
There, they intercepted two suspected bunkerers in possession of two boats, both carrying 30 cellophane bags filled with over 1,500 litres of refined AGO.
The arrest was made without resistance, demonstrating both the surprise element and effectiveness of the operation.
Residents in the area noted the swift and professional nature of the raid, calling it the most impactful anti-bunkering action they’ve seen in years.
Akwa Ibom: No Arrests, But Total Control
While Akwa Ibom State reported no immediate arrests, the Nigerian Army maintained tight control of its creeks and oil-bearing communities.
Troops continued with day and night patrols, roadblocks, and search operations, effectively denying criminal groups any room to set up illegal sites.
A senior officer with the 6 Division confirmed that suspected syndicates had been attempting to regroup,
but the army’s persistent presence and tactical dominance have made this nearly impossible.
Military Command Speaks: “We Must Not Lose Momentum”
Reacting to the overall success, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, expressed pride in the commitment shown by his troops.
He stressed that the mission must continue, noting that those who sabotage Nigeria’s oil infrastructure are enemies of the state.
“We are not just here to arrest people we’re here to dismantle the entire ecosystem of theft and destruction,” Emekah stated.
“This is a war for economic justice, environmental protection, and national stability.”
He encouraged the troops to remain focused and warned that anyone caught aiding or shielding bunkerers whether civilians or officials would face legal consequences.
Why Oil Theft Persists Despite Military Efforts
While the oil theft crackdown Niger Delta is seeing visible success, experts argue that enforcement alone cannot address the roots of the problem.
The Niger Delta, despite being rich in oil, suffers from chronic poverty, unemployment, and environmental degradation.
According to Blessing Karo, an environmental advocate and researcher based in Port Harcourt, many youths involved in illegal refining are victims of circumstance.
“When fishing is no longer viable and farming has been destroyed by spills, these young men turn to bunkering as a last resort,” she explained. “They don’t see alternatives.”
Consequently, human rights groups are urging the government to invest in youth development, environmental restoration, and community-driven surveillance programs.
A National Economic Drain
Nigeria reportedly loses between $700 million to $1 billion monthly to oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
Apart from the immediate financial loss, the country also bears the long-term cost of deterring investors, disrupting oil production, and escalating inflation.
Environmental damage is equally severe. Oil spills have rendered thousands of hectares of land unusable, polluted major rivers, and left children in several communities with chronic health issues.
As a result, every successful oil theft crackdown Niger Delta operation represents not just a military win, but a critical step toward protecting lives, restoring the environment, and saving the economy.
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Legal Steps and Future Plans
The 62 suspects arrested during the operation are currently undergoing questioning.
According to military sources, all evidence including boats, vehicles,
and fuel containers will be transferred to the relevant prosecution agencies under strict chain-of-custody protocols.
Furthermore, the military has confirmed that new waves of operations are being planned,
with more collaboration between the army, navy, police, and civil defense expected in the coming weeks.
A War That Must Be Won
The oil theft crackdown Niger Delta is not just a battle of guns and arrests; it’s a fight for the soul of Nigeria’s economy and the future of its environment.
While the Nigerian Army has made tremendous progress, the road ahead requires a united front.
Government agencies, civil society, traditional rulers, and everyday citizens must work together to ensure that this multi-billion naira theft economy is dismantled for good.
The message is clear: the era of impunity is over, and the Niger Delta is no longer a free zone for oil thieves.
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