Army arrests 50 suspects, dismantles illegal refineries in Niger Delta

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division have arrested 50 suspects linked to illegal oil bunkering and refining operations across parts of the Niger Delta.

The arrests were made during a series of coordinated operations conducted between June 30 and July 13, 2025, in collaboration with other security agencies.

According to Lt.-Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, the operations led to the dismantling of 11 illegal refining sites and the seizure of approximately 25,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.

Several illegal connection points were also discovered across various locations.

In Rivers State, troops intensified operations to prevent the re-establishment of illegal bunkering camps, especially along the Imo River axis. Seven illegal refining sites were destroyed, and troops recovered 35 drum pots, 14 drum receivers, three large cooling systems, and over 6,000 litres of crude oil.

Additional raids in Ukwa West LGA of Abia State and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA of Rivers State resulted in the dismantling of illegal refining infrastructure and recovery of petroleum products, including 3,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 2,000 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), and 1,000 litres of crude oil. A chemical reservoir containing over 3,000 litres of materials used in refining was also seized.

Elsewhere in Okarki Forest, Ahoada West LGA, troops dismantled several storage facilities. In Delta State, along Jeddo waterways in Warri South LGA, a speedboat and a locally made wooden boat containing over 1,720 litres of stolen products were intercepted and deactivated.

Additional seizures were made at Obiaruku community in Ukwuani LGA and the Ugbokodo creek in Warri South, where troops intercepted more illegally refined AGO.

In Bayelsa State, efforts to disrupt oil theft led to the recovery of a 70kg gas cylinder and a wheelbarrow intended for pipeline vandalism in Ikarama, Yenagoa LGA. At Angiama community in Southern Ijaw LGA, stolen petroleum products were seized and suspects arrested.

Troops also raided a warehouse in Ukanafun LGA of Akwa Ibom State, uncovering 15 jerricans filled with illegally refined AGO.

Lt.-Col. Danjuma emphasized that the Nigerian Army continues to dominate the waterways and hinterlands, limiting the ability of economic saboteurs to operate freely in the region.