Army Commander Orders Troops To Dismantle Illegal Refining Structures

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Nigerian Army (NA), Major General Emmanuel Emekah, has directed troops in the Niger Delta Region to comb their operational areas, including adjoining forests, and dismantle all illegal refining sites.

A statement by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 6 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah, noted that the GOC gave the directive during an operational visit to the Imo River stretch, where he conducted “an on-the-spot assessment of illegal activities in the area.”

During the visit on Saturday, Major General Emekah traversed the Imo River stretch, moving through waterways and deep into adjoining creeks and rivulets.

He inspected illegal bunkering hotspots in Afam, Obeama, and Umuori Creek in Obigbo Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State, as well as Asa waterways in Abia State, all known for widespread oil theft.

At these locations, the GOC ordered the destruction of life-supporting structures and multiple illegal refining sites.

Recent Operations and Arrests
Between 10th and 16th February 2025, troops, in collaboration with other security agencies, conducted several operations across the Niger Delta Region. These efforts resulted in:

• The arrest of 12 suspected oil thieves
• The deactivation of 25 illegal refining sites
• The destruction of 18 boats used for criminal activities
• The recovery of over 95,000 litres of stolen crude oil
• The destruction of various refining equipment.

In Rivers State, troops on a routine night patrol intercepted a 45,000-litre capacity DAF truck with multiple plate numbers, used for stealing crude oil along the Trans Niger Pipeline (36-inch row). The criminals abandoned the truck upon sighting the troops.

Additionally, in Etche LGA, troops intercepted two wooden boats carrying over 20,000 litres of stolen crude oil along the Odagwa-Imo River stretch.

Around Ndoni in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, three illegal bunkering dump sites containing 3,420 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) were discovered, with two hoses recovered. Two suspected oil thieves were arrested.

Following a tip-off, troops raided Karakarma in Degema LGA, intercepting three wooden boats carrying over 3,200 litres of stolen crude oil. Additional seizures were made at Kumufari and Ogbonma Forests in Buguma, Asari-Toru LGA, and Okobhio Forest in Degema LGA.

In the Imo River area, troops deactivated 19 illegal refining sites, destroying 51 drum pots and 34 drum receivers holding over 4,000 litres of stolen crude.

Operations in Delta State
Troops conducted clearance operations in Benneth Island, Warri South West LGA, deactivating three active illegal refining sites and destroying multiple storage facilities. Over 6,300 litres of stolen crude were recovered.

In Omadino, Warri South LGA, troops dismantled two more illegal refining sites, destroying refining equipment and confiscating 5,400 litres of illegally refined AGO.

In Aladja, Udu LGA, troops confiscated illegally refined AGO stored within the premises of Cp Villa and Kazo Hotels.

Four suspects were arrested. In Eku Community, Ethiope East LGA, troops, acting on credible intelligence, arrested one individual in possession of a pump-action rifle.

Crackdown in Bayelsa State
In Etelabu Forest, Yenagoa, troops raided a newly established illegal refining site, recovering over 1,000 litres of stolen crude. Similarly, at Biseni, Yenagoa, troops intercepted a tricycle loaded with an unspecified quantity of illegally refined AGO, abandoned by the driver upon sighting security personnel. Efforts are ongoing to track the source of the illicit supply.

Near Clough Creek, Ekeremor LGA, troops closing in on an illegal refining site encountered resistance as oil thieves blocked access roads with logs and damaged wooden boats.

The criminals engaged troops in a gunfight but were overpowered, fleeing the area. Troops destroyed two wooden boats and handled an unspecified quantity of stolen crude appropriately.

Operations in Akwa Ibom State
In Akwa Ibom State, troops have maintained a strong presence, disrupting the activities of economic saboteurs and denying them freedom of action.

Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah commended “the troops for their commitment to combating illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalism.”

He urged them to sustain their momentum, emphasising that their efforts will enhance oil exploration and economic stability in the Niger Delta Region.

Mercy Chukwudiebere