Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, have intensified their crackdown on crude oil theft in the Niger Delta, arresting 28 suspects and recovering over 290,000 litres of stolen petroleum products during operations carried out between October 6 and 19, 2025.
The coordinated anti-crude oil theft operations also led to the deactivation of four illegal refining sites across Rivers, Delta, Abia, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom States.
In Rivers State, several successful raids were conducted. At Okrika in Okrika Local Government Area, troops intercepted two wooden boats while they were loading Premium Motor Spirit from a vessel offloading at a jetty.
Another boat carrying over 33,000 litres of suspected stolen products was also seized. Additionally, a separate interception in the same area yielded over 5,000 litres of stolen petroleum.
Acting on a tip-off, troops also impounded a tanker with registration number Rivers JJN 287 ZU suspected to be transporting about 90,000 litres of stolen petroleum products from a pipeline at Elele Alimini in Emohua LGA. Two suspects, including the driver and his assistant, were arrested. At Okolomade in Abua/Odual LGA, security personnel recovered over 2,600 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil.
In a statement released by the army via the Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Lt. Col, the troops announced that in a similar operations carried out in Abia State, they dismantled two illegal refining sites along the Imo River. The operation led to the seizure of three drum pots, three receivers, and more than 2,500 litres of stolen crude. Six suspects were arrested at Orashi River waterside after troops intercepted two wooden boats carrying 700 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene.
In Delta State, security forces acted on intelligence along the PAN Ocean Pipeline right of way in Ethiope East LGA. Although several suspects fled upon sighting the troops, one suspect was apprehended, and vandalized pipes, hoses, and over 1,650 litres of stolen petroleum were recovered. Additional seizures included vehicles and other materials used in the illegal trade.
Troops also intercepted a Mercedes-Benz truck at Umusan-Obodogwa in Ndokwa West LGA transporting 24 pieces of vandalized pipes and gas cylinders. Two suspects were arrested. In another operation at Eruemukohwarien in Ughelli North LGA, a Toyota Hiace bus loaded with 2,500 litres of condensates was seized, and the driver was taken into custody.
In Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom States, intensified surveillance and joint operations have significantly limited the activities of oil thieves and other criminal elements in the region.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, commended the troops for their “resilience and commitment to protecting national assets,” urging them to maintain the momentum in combating oil theft and economic sabotage.