Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, have intensified operations against crude oil theft and other related crimes in the Niger Delta region, resulting in the arrest of 28 suspects and the recovery of over 290,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.
According to a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, the operations were conducted between 6 and 19 October 2025, leading to the deactivation of four illegal refining sites across several states.
In Rivers State, troops recorded major successes, including the interception of two wooden boats at Okrika while they were loading Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from a vessel at a jetty. Two additional boats were also seized in the same area — one carrying over 33,000 litres and another with 5,000 litres of suspected stolen products.
At Elele Alimini in Emohua LGA, troops impounded a tanker (Rivers JJN 287 ZU) suspected to be loaded with about 90,000 litres of stolen products. The driver and his assistant were arrested. Similarly, at Okolomade in Abua/Odual LGA, 2,600 litres of illegally refined diesel were recovered.
In Abia State, troops dismantled two illegal refining sites along the Imo River axis and seized three drum pots, three receivers, and 2,500 litres of crude oil at Obuzor, Asa Asa in Ukwa West LGA. Two wooden boats carrying 700 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) were also intercepted at the Orashi River waterside, leading to the arrest of six suspects.
In Delta State, troops acting on credible intelligence raided a hideout along the PAN Ocean pipeline in Ethiope East LGA. One suspect was arrested, and items recovered included vandalized pipes, hoses, vehicles, and a lorry van loaded with 1,650 litres of stolen products. At Umusan-Obodogwa in Ndokwa West LGA, a Mercedes-Benz truck (Enugu VE 174 ENU) was intercepted with 24 pieces of 14-inch pipes suspected to have been vandalized from the SEPCO Oil and Gas pipeline. Two suspects were arrested.
Additionally, at Eruemukohwarien in Ughelli North LGA, troops intercepted a Toyota Hiace bus (Delta PTN 926 XA) loaded with ten drums containing 2,500 litres of condensates, arresting the driver.
Meanwhile, in Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom States, the Nigerian Army said troops have intensified both kinetic and non-kinetic operations to deny oil thieves freedom of movement and reinforce government control over critical energy assets.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, commended the troops for their operational successes and urged them to sustain the tempo in the fight against economic saboteurs threatening national resources and security.
