By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
Troops of the Nigerian Army, 6 Division, have disrupted attempts to revive illegal oil bunkering operations in the Niger Delta, dismantling eight artisanal refineries and seizing thousands of litres of stolen crude oil.
The Division’s spokesman, Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, in a statement on Sunday, said the operations reflected the army’s determination to end oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and other crimes threatening Nigeria’s economy.
He explained that between September 21 and October 5, 2025, the troops carried out coordinated operations using both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches, in partnership with other security agencies.
According to him, the operations resulted in several arrests, with over 18,000 litres of stolen crude oil and refined products confiscated from criminals.
In Rivers State, troops dismantled a newly constructed illegal refining site in Joinkrama 4, Ahoada West Local Government Area. The soldiers destroyed receivers, ovens, drums, and pipes, while recovering 3,500 litres of stolen crude.
A red Mercedes-Benz vacuum truck containing 3,200 litres of stolen crude was also intercepted along Aba Road in Oyigbo Local Government Area. The driver abandoned the vehicle and escaped upon sighting the soldiers.
Clearance operations around the Imo River led to the destruction of another illegal site with three drum pots, two drum receivers, and more than 2,000 litres of stolen crude packed in sacks. Additional raids were carried out in Etche, Oyigbo, and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGAs.
In Akwa Ibom State, soldiers intercepted two Toyota Camry vehicles in Abak LGA, loaded with 120 nylon bags containing over 3,600 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). Two suspects were arrested.
Troops also uncovered 950 litres of stolen petroleum products inside an abandoned building in Biseni community, Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
Lt. Col. Danjuma quoted the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, as commending the troops for their resilience in combating economic sabotage.
The GOC urged those engaged in oil theft to abandon the criminal trade and embrace lawful ventures, stressing that the army would sustain its zero tolerance policy against illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta.