By Deborah Nnamdi
Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, have arrested 28 suspected oil thieves and destroyed four illegal refining sites during a series of operations across the Niger Delta region.
The operations, conducted between October 6 and 19, 2025, also led to the recovery of over 290,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.
According to the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the clampdown formed part of ongoing anti-crude oil theft operations aimed at curbing illegal bunkering and protecting vital oil infrastructure in the region.
In Rivers State, troops intercepted two wooden boats at Okrika while the operators were allegedly loading Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from a vessel at a jetty. One of the boats was loaded with over 33,000 litres of stolen products, while the other contained about 5,000 litres.
Acting on a tip-off, troops also stormed a suspected bunkering site along a pipeline near Sterling Global Company Road in Elele Alimini, Emohua Local Government Area. A tanker with registration number Rivers JJN 287 ZU, allegedly loaded with about 90,000 litres of stolen products, was impounded, and two suspects — the driver and his assistant — were arrested. Additionally, at Okolomade in Abua/Odual LGA, over 2,600 litres of illegally refined diesel were recovered.
In Abia State, along the Imo River axis, troops destroyed two illegal refining sites and seized equipment including three drum pots, three receivers, and about 2,500 litres of stolen crude. Six suspects were also arrested at the Orashi River waterside, where security forces recovered two wooden boats containing over 700 litres of kerosene.
Operations in Delta State yielded further successes as troops, acting on credible intelligence, raided oil thieves operating along the PAN Ocean Pipeline in Ethiope East LGA. The suspects fled on sighting the soldiers, but one was arrested and several vandalised pipes, hoses, and vehicles — including a Peugeot 406, a Toyota Camry, a Jeep, and a lorry loaded with 1,650 litres of stolen products — were seized.
Similarly, along the Midwestern Oil and Gas Pipeline right of way at Umusan-Obodogwa in Ndokwa West LGA, a Mercedes-Benz truck conveying 24 pieces of 14-inch pipes and three gas cylinders was intercepted. Two suspects were arrested. The pipes were suspected to have been stolen from the SEPCO Oil and Gas pipeline in Kwale.
Around Eruemukohwarien in Ughelli North LGA, troops also arrested a driver transporting 2,500 litres of condensate in a Toyota Hiace bus.
Danjuma added that troops in Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom States have intensified both kinetic and non-kinetic operations to deny oil thieves freedom of action across the Niger Delta.
Meanwhile, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, commended the troops for their sustained efforts and urged them to maintain the operational momentum in combating economic sabotage and related crimes in the region.
