Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, have intensified their crackdown on crude oil theft and related crimes across the Niger Delta, arresting 28 suspected oil thieves and recovering over 290,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the operations were carried out between 6 and 19 October 2025, across several states in the region, including Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Abia.
In Rivers State, troops recorded major successes during multiple raids in Okrika, where two wooden boats were intercepted while loading Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from a vessel offloading at a jetty.
Another two boats, including one carrying about 33,000 litres of stolen fuel, were also impounded, while a separate operation led to the seizure of an additional 5,000 litres of illicit products.
Acting on credible intelligence, troops also busted an illegal oil bunkering site along Sterling Global Company Road at Elele Alimini in Emohua Local Government Area.
A tanker with registration number Rivers JJN 287 ZU, suspected to be carrying 90,000 litres of stolen petroleum products, was intercepted. Two suspects—the driver and his assistant—were arrested. At Okolomade in Abua/Odual LGA, troops further recovered 2,600 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
In Abia State, soldiers deactivated two illegal refining sites along Imo River, recovering over 2,500 litres of stolen crude oil, drum pots, and receivers at Obuzor, Asa Asa, in Ukwa West LGA. Six suspects were arrested around Orashi River waterside, where troops seized over 700 litres of illegally refined Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK).
Troops also conducted operations in Delta State, where they disrupted the activities of oil thieves along the PAN Ocean Pipeline right of way in Ethiope East LGA.
Though several suspects fled on sighting troops, one was apprehended, and various items—including vandalized pipes, hoses, Bagco sacks, and vehicles—were recovered.
These included a Peugeot 406, a Toyota Camry, a Toyota Jeep, and a lorry van containing over 1,650 litres of stolen fuel.
In another operation at Umusan-Obodogwa, Ndokwa West LGA, troops intercepted a Mercedes-Benz truck (registration number Enugu VE 174 ENU) loaded with 24 pieces of 14-inch pipes and three gas cylinders believed to have been vandalized from the SEPCO Oil and Gas pipeline in Kwale.
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Two suspects were arrested. Similarly, around Eruemukohwarien in Ughelli North LGA, a Toyota Hiace bus carrying ten drums containing about 2,500 litres of condensates was seized, and the driver apprehended.
Troops have also intensified both kinetic and non-kinetic operations in Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom States, effectively restricting the movement and activities of oil thieves and other economic saboteurs in the region.
Commending the troops for their sustained efforts, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, lauded their professionalism and commitment to safeguarding national assets.
He urged them to maintain the momentum in dismantling illegal refining networks and bringing offenders to justice.
Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s determination to protect the nation’s economic interests, stressing that the operations would continue until oil theft and pipeline vandalism are completely eradicated from the Niger Delta.
