Nigerian troops have arrested 39 suspected oil thieves and demolished 18 illegal refining sites as part of the ongoing crackdown on crude oil theft (COT) and related crimes in the Niger Delta region.
According to the Army, the operation, in partnership with the Joint Operations Zone (JOA), between March 24 and March 30, 2025, led to the confiscation of more than 60,000 liters of stolen oil products and the restoration of various items used in illegal refining.
The military issued a statement detailing the success of the operation:
“The operation in the River State, along Ochokocho Road in the Etche Local Government Area (LGA), led to the interception of a manufacturing reserve of a 18,000-liter stolen product-studded gemstone tank. In addition, a one-person diesel container truck with Reg LXA 44 XA, hiding serrated products and forming a fixed quantum and emitting a tailored quantity. On the witness.”
The statement further revealed that in the IMO River area, anti-crude oil theft operations resulted in the damage of several illegal refining sites, drum pans and receivers, and restored more than 15,000 liters of stolen products. Two illegal refining sites were caught in Ahoada East LGA’s Rumuekpe Forest, which contained more than 2,800 liters of stolen products.
Similarly, the OGBA/EGBEMA/NDONI LGA troops closed on the oil thieves in Ebocha and Omoku, dismantling the illegal refining site of Jelikri Creek in Degema LGA, where the drum oven, receiver, hose and metal tube were destroyed.
The crackdown extends to Bayelsa State, and Yenagoa LGA’s operations around Adibawa resulted in the discovery of two illegal refining sites. These locations include drums and cooking ovens, with over 8000 liters of stolen storage in sacks and drums. In Okighene, south of Ijaw LGA, troops recovered 1,500 liters of crude oil and 300 liters of illegally refined car petrol oil (AGO).
The Nigerian army has also made significant progress in the Delta State. In the Egbokodo Itsekiri community of LGA in southern Worri, several Jeliteans were confiscated, confiscated, and cellophane bags used to transport stolen crude oil were destroyed.
In Akwa Ibom State, the Army reported that patrols and operations have made it increasingly difficult for oil thieves to operate freely.
The 6th Division of the 6th Division of the Nigerian Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah (GOC) 6th Division (GOC) praised the forces’ efforts and urged them to maintain the crackdown on illegal oil refining activities.
Emkah reportedly warned Oil Thieves to turn around New Leaf to engage in legal means of livelihood or be prepared to face the anger of the law.
The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to eliminating crude oil theft and ensure a safe environment for legal exploration activities in the Niger Delta.
