Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, have arrested at least 71 suspected oil thieves and seized more than 33,000 litres of stolen petroleum products during multiple operations across the Niger Delta.
According to a statement on Tuesday by the Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the operations conducted in collaboration with other security agencies between July 21 and August 10, 2025.
He stated that the operation also led to the destruction of 14 illegal refining sites.
In the Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State, soldiers dismantled two illegal refining sites and recovered over 22,500 litres of stolen crude oil.
Similarly, in Bassambiri, Nembe LGA of Bayelsa State, troops uncovered a store containing 16 jerrycans (30 litres each) of stolen petroleum products.
In the Biseni community, Yenagoa LGA, they discovered another illegal refining site holding more than 1,200 litres of stolen products.
The statement read further, “In Rivers State, along Kilometre 45 in Degema Local Government Area (LGA), two illegal refining sites were deactivated with over 22,500 litres of stolen crude oil recovered. Additionally, two wooden boats used for the illicit activity were demobilized.
In a related vein, at Omoku in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, two wooden boats loaded with eight sacks of stolen crude were intercepted.
“Similar operations conducted at the fringes of the Imo River led to the deactivation of 5 illegal refining sites, with 16 drum pots, two drum receivers and over 2,000 litres of stolen crude recovered at Obuzor, Okoloma and Oyingbo LGA in Abia and Rivers states respectively.
“Also, a dug-out pit filled with over 1,500 litres of stolen products was handled appropriately.
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“Relatedly, in Bayelsa State, around Bassambiri in Nembe LGA, troops raided a store, where 16 units of 30 litres jerricans loaded with stolen products were hidden in the store.
“At Biseni in Yenagoa LGA, troops uncovered an illegal refining site with over 1,200 litres of stolen products recovered.
“This was in addition to several raid operations conducted with other sister services in the state, which led to the arrest of multiple criminals.
“While, in Delta State, a vehicle with Registration Number AG 02 KWR loaded with 31 units of 25 litres jerricans filled with stolen Automotive Gasoline Oil was intercepted at Omuseti junction along Kwale to Ozoro road in Ndokwa West LGA.”
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, NA, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, while appreciating informants for their support, stated that operatives embarked on due diligence to verify the authenticity when illegal products were discovered.
He added that where the product is discovered to be genuine, it is usually handed over to the owner in line with the mandate of Operation DELTA SAFE.
The GOC further stressed that perpetrators of economic sabotage who were arrested by the troops are handed over to the appropriate agency for prosecution.
