The Nigerian Army, 6 Division, has announced the arrest of 28 suspected oil thieves and the destruction of four illegal refineries in a major operation across the Niger Delta region.
According to the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, troops also recovered approximately 290,000 litres of stolen petroleum products during the raids, conducted between October 6 and 19, 2025.
In a statement released on Sunday in Port Harcourt, Danjuma said the operation was part of ongoing joint efforts with other security agencies to curb crude oil theft and illegal refining in the region.
“Troops of the 6 Division, in conjunction with other security agencies, have intensified operations against crude oil theft. Between 6 and 19 October, 28 suspects were arrested, four illegal refining sites dismantled, and over 290,000 litres of stolen products seized,” the statement read.
Providing details of the operations, Danjuma said troops intercepted two wooden boats in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State while the suspects were loading Premium Motor Spirit from a vessel at a jetty. One of the boats was found with over 33,000 litres of stolen fuel, while another contained about 5,000 litres.
Similarly, acting on intelligence, troops intercepted a tanker with registration number Rivers JJN 287 ZU along Sterling Global Company Road, Akpabo, Elele Alimini, suspected of conveying 90,000 litres of stolen products. Two suspects — the driver and his assistant — were apprehended.
At Okolomade in Abua/Odual LGA, troops seized 2,600 litres of illegally refined diesel, while two refining sites were destroyed in the Imo River area of Abia State. The team recovered three drum pots, three receivers, and 2,500 litres of stolen crude oil.
In Delta State, troops foiled an oil theft attempt along the PAN Ocean Pipeline in Ethiope East LGA. Although most suspects fled, one person was arrested, and vandalised pipes, hoses, and several vehicles — including a Peugeot 406, a Toyota Jeep, and a lorry carrying 1,650 litres of stolen products — were recovered.
Troops also intercepted a Mercedes-Benz truck in Ndokwa West LGA loaded with 24 pieces of 14-inch pipes and gas cylinders suspected to have been stolen from the SEPCO Oil and Gas pipeline in Kwale. Two suspects were detained.
In Ughelli North LGA, Delta State, soldiers impounded a Toyota Hiace bus loaded with ten drums containing 2,500 litres of condensates.
Danjuma noted that operations in Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom States have been intensified to deny oil thieves freedom of operation, using both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches.
The General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, commended the troops for their sustained efforts and charged them to remain resolute in the fight against crude oil theft and other economic crimes in the region.
About The Author
