The Nigerian Army, working with other security agencies, has apprehended 28 suspected oil thieves and confiscated over 290,000 liters of stolen petroleum products across the Niger Delta.
The Acting Deputy Director of the 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, issued a statement to announce the operation, which is part of an ongoing drive to intensify the fight against crude oil theft and related crimes in the region.
The coordinated operations took place between October 6 and 19, 2025, resulting in the dismantling of four illegal refining sites and the interception of numerous boats and vehicles used for transporting the stolen products in Rivers, Delta, Abia, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom States.
Rivers State: Troops intercepted two wooden boats at Okrika as they were loading Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from a vessel at a jetty. Another boat carrying over 33,000 liters of stolen products was also seized. Furthermore, a tanker suspected of carrying approximately 90,000 liters of stolen products was impounded at Elele Alimini, and two suspects were arrested. At Okolomade in Abua/Odual LGA, troops recovered over 2,600 liters of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
Along the Imo River, two illegal refining sites were dismantled, and over 2,500 liters of stolen crude were seized. Six suspects were arrested in connection with these discoveries.
Delta State: Acting on intelligence near the PAN Ocean pipeline in Ethiope East LGA, troops disrupted oil theft, recovering vandalized pipes, hoses, vehicles, and over 1,650 liters of stolen products, leading to one arrest. Further along the Midwestern Oil and Gas pipeline, two suspects were arrested, and a truck loaded with 24 pieces of vandalized pipes and three gas cylinders was seized. Separately, a Toyota Hiace bus carrying 2,500 liters of condensate was intercepted in Ughelli North LGA.
Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom States: The statement noted that both kinetic (military action) and non-kinetic (non-military) operations have been intensified, successfully curbing the activities of oil thieves and improving security.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, commended the troops for their successes and urged them to maintain their momentum against economic saboteurs.
About The Author
