Niger Delta Military Operation Targets Illegal Refining
Recent operations by the Nigerian military in the Niger Delta have successfully dismantled 14 illegal refining sites and led to the arrest of 71 suspects. The operations, a joint effort by the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies, were conducted from July 21 to August 10, 2025.
Key details of the operation include:
Locations: The illegal sites were discovered and deactivated across Rivers, Abia, and Bayelsa states.
Seizures: Troops confiscated over 33,000 liters of stolen petroleum products, including crude oil, diesel, and kerosene.
Tactics: The operations involved the destruction of illegal refining equipment, such as drum pots and receivers, and the recovery of stolen crude from various storage points, including wooden boats.
Additional Recoveries: Soldiers also seized vehicles and boats used for transporting the illegally refined products.
Legal Action: The arrested suspects have been handed over to relevant agencies for prosecution. The military has praised community informants for their crucial role in the successful crackdown.
