Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division have arrested 17 suspected oil thieves and dismantled nine illegal refining sites during a major clampdown across the Niger Delta region.
The Army disclosed that over 45,000 litres of stolen petroleum products were also recovered in the operation, which lasted from 8 to 20 September 2025 and was conducted in collaboration with other security agencies.
Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, confirmed the development in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Sunday. He described the exercise as a significant step in curbing the activities of economic saboteurs in the region.
According to the statement, troops recorded successes across several states:
Delta State: At Ogwu Community in Warri South LGA, soldiers uncovered a metal storage facility containing over 20,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). They also recovered three pumping machines, three metering machines, engine oil, empty tanks, and a 20,000-litre tanker truck filled with more than 10,000 litres of illegally refined products.
Bayelsa State: In Biseni, Yenagoa LGA, two illegal refining sites and three dugout pits containing over 7,000 litres of stolen petroleum products were destroyed. At Okordia, troops intercepted a Toyota Camry loaded with over 600 litres of AGO.
Rivers State: Soldiers on patrol at Okarki in Ahoada West LGA intercepted a Toyota 4Runner conveying 1,600 litres of stolen products, which the driver abandoned before fleeing. At Ogbogolo in the same LGA, 23 sacks filled with 690 litres of illegally refined AGO were seized, while a wooden boat laden with stolen petroleum was intercepted in Degema LGA. At Obiafor Oil Field in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, troops discovered a vandalised section of the Oando pipeline alongside 500 litres of stolen condensate.
Akwa Ibom State: Troops extended operations to hotspots used by oil thieves, effectively restricting their illegal activities in the state.
Danjuma assured that the Nigerian Army remains committed to sustaining these operations to protect national resources and deny oil thieves the freedom to operate.
