Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, have intensified their efforts in the ongoing "strangulation operations" aimed at dismantling the criminal network of oil thieves in the Niger Delta region. The operations, conducted from December 30, 2024, to January 5, 2025, resulted in the destruction of 20 illegal refining sites and the arrest of 11 suspected oil thieves.

In addition, 31 boats used for transporting stolen oil were destroyed, and over 190,000 litres of stolen products were seized. The operation also targeted key locations across the joint operations area, focusing on criminal activities surrounding illegal oil refining and theft.

A significant operation took place near the Oando wellhead at Benkrukru, in the Okordia general area of Yenagoa Local Government Area (LGA), where four oil sewage sites were discovered, containing more than 70,000 litres of stolen crude. Troops also recovered a suction machine and approximately 700 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), packed in sacks. In the Amalaghakiri general area of Nembe LGA, two illegal refining sites were destroyed, and over 15,000 litres of stolen oil were confiscated. Additionally, one illegal refining site was destroyed in the Oyeregbene area of Southern Ijaw LGA, with over 1,500 litres of stolen oil handled.

In Rivers State, near Omoku, troops pursued fleeing oil thieves, resulting in the discovery of an illegal connection point on the Oando pipeline around Ebocha, where four boats carrying over 22,000 litres of stolen oil were recovered. Further operations at the Obiafu Oil Field in the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA led to the seizure of wooden boats and dugout pits filled with over 8,000 litres of stolen products. Around Mgbede, four illegal refining sites were destroyed, five wooden boats seized, and 108 locally-made ovens, several tanks, and over 31,000 litres of stolen products were recovered. Additionally, over 13,000 litres of stolen oil were seized along the Imo River, along with the destruction of two illegal refining sites, 32 drum pots, 21 drum receivers, and two pumping machines.

In Delta State, troops intercepted two J5 Boxer vehicles involved in illicit activities near the Pan Ocean Nigeria Limited pipeline in the Ivade area of Ethiope West LGA. The vehicles were carrying over 7,500 litres of stolen oil, hidden in 150 cellphone bags. Further seizures in the Ikengbensi waterways of Isoko South LGA brought an additional 2,500 litres of crude oil under control. Meanwhile, in Akwa Ibom State, troops intercepted eight drums containing 2,240 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at Ibaka beach, suspected to be intended for smuggling to a neighboring country.

Major General Jamal Abdussalam, the General Officer Commanding 6 Division Nigerian Army, praised the troops for their determination and resilience. He urged them to maintain the momentum in order to foster a secure environment that would enable socio-economic activities to thrive unhindered in the region.