Troops Uncover and Dismantle 13 Illegal Bunkering Operations, Seizing 300,000 Liters of Stolen Fuel

From January 20 to 26, 2025, operations against illegal oil activities in Edo, Delta, and Rivers States led to the takedown of four boats, the disabling of over 150 homemade ovens, and the arrest of 15 individuals involved in oil theft.

The Nigerian Army (NA) is actively fighting against oil theft by dismantling 13 illegal bunkering sites and confiscating more than 300,000 liters of stolen crude in the Niger Delta region.

During the operations, which took place between January 20 and 26, 2025, in Edo, Delta, and Rivers States, four boats were disabled, over 150 makeshift ovens were dismantled, and 15 oil thieves were arrested.

The crackdown involved a series of coordinated raids across the targeted states.

In Edo State, a significant pool of stolen crude oil totaling approximately 252,000 liters was found in Ugo Community, Orhiomwon Local Government Area. This led to the discovery of a pumping machine and several hoses and pipes.

In Delta State, a DAF Tanker Truck with a capacity of 30,000 liters was caught while illegally siphoning crude oil from a pipeline in the bush, having already extracted over 15,000 liters before its capture.

Meanwhile, in Rivers State, over 10,000 liters of stolen crude was seized, particularly near the Imo River corridor. An illegal refining site was also located along Odagwa, where a pump-action gun was confiscated during a follow-up operation.

The operations also dismantled three illegal refining sessions clustered at the Obiafu Oil Field in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, where ten cooking drums, two rolls of hose, and eight reservoirs were retrieved. Concealed jerrycans of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) were discovered in the Abalama Community in Asari-Toru Local Government Area.

The Nigerian Army’s initiative to combat oil theft and pipeline damage has shown significant success. Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, assured that criminal activities disguised as economic sabotage will soon come to an end. He urged these criminals to seek lawful occupations to avoid facing intensified action.

This operation reflects the teamwork of troops from the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, alongside other military services, showcasing the army’s dedication to safeguarding the country’s oil and gas infrastructure.