Nigerian Army Dismantles 18 Illegal Refineries, Arrests 12 in Major Niger Delta Crackdown

 Port Harcourt, Nigeria – In a decisive move against oil-related crimes, the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has dismantled 18 illegal refineries, arrested 12 suspects, and recovered 138,000 litres of stolen petroleum products in the Niger Delta region.


The operation, part of the military’s ongoing efforts to combat crude oil theft and environmental degradation, targeted illicit refining sites known for siphoning and processing stolen crude oil. According to a statement from the Division, the raids were executed across several hotspot locations notorious for illegal bunkering activities.

Brigadier General Olufemi Akinjobi, the spokesperson for the 6 Division, emphasized that the Nigerian Army remains committed to tackling economic sabotage and protecting the country’s oil infrastructure. "Our operatives have intensified surveillance and ground operations to curb crude oil theft, which has continued to threaten Nigeria’s economy and the environment," he stated.

During the operation, security forces destroyed makeshift refining camps and equipment used for the illicit processing of crude oil. The 138,000 litres of recovered petroleum products, suspected to be illegally refined diesel and crude oil, were impounded and handed over to relevant authorities for further investigation.

The 12 suspects apprehended during the crackdown are currently in military custody and undergoing interrogation. They will be handed over to law enforcement agencies for prosecution upon the completion of preliminary investigations.

Illegal oil refining has been a persistent challenge in the Niger Delta, with unregulated operations leading to severe environmental pollution and revenue losses for the Nigerian government. The military has, in recent years, ramped up efforts to dismantle these networks, often operating in remote swamps and creeks.

Brigadier General Akinjobi urged communities to support security agencies by providing intelligence on illegal activities, stressing that collaboration is crucial in eradicating crude oil theft.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the fight against oil-related crimes, warning that further operations will be conducted to rid the region of illegal refineries and their operators.

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