Troops Seize Over 70,000 Litres of Stolen Oil
The Nigerian Army’s 6 Division, operating in the Niger Delta, has seized over 70,000 litres of stolen crude oil and petroleum products in a major crackdown aimed at stemming oil theft in the region.
The operations, conducted between January 27 and February 2, 2025, also resulted in the destruction of 12 illegal refining sites, the arrest of 16 suspected oil thieves, and the demobilization of six boats.
The joint operations, which spanned Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom States, targeted the criminal networks responsible for oil theft and illegal refining.
In Rivers State, troops intercepted two fully loaded suction trucks, each carrying 12,000 litres of stolen crude oil, along the Igwurita-Airport road in Ikwerre Local Government Area (LGA). Acting on credible intelligence, they also raided a scrap yard on the same road, uncovering a massive storage facility containing over 10,000 litres of stolen products in multiple tanks.
Further operations near the Imo River led to the destruction of three illegal refining sites, 43 cooking drums, 23 receivers, and three fiber boats. Over 4,000 litres of stolen products were recovered in the Obigbo, Oyigbo, and Ukwa areas. A locally fabricated double-barrel gun, believed to have been abandoned by fleeing oil thieves, was also recovered.
In Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA (ONELGA), troops dismantled four illegal refining sites and 86 locally made ovens, discovering a dugout pit containing over 7,200 litres of stolen crude oil and 2,700 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). Along the Ndoni waterside, they seized 102 sacks filled with over 5,100 litres of stolen AGO and premium motor spirit. Operations in the Agah general area resulted in the confiscation of 35 sacks containing over 2,100 litres of illegally refined AGO. At Omoku, also in ONELGA, two oil thieves were arrested with 14 sacks of condensates stored in their home.
In Delta State, an abandoned wooden boat carrying over 3,160 litres of stolen crude oil was intercepted within the Ashaka Okpai community water channel, which connects to the River Niger in Ndokwa East LGA. Eight sacks of condensates were also seized along the Oando pipeline near Tuomo village in Bomadi.
In Bayelsa State, a suspected oil thief was arrested in Sagbama LGA with over 1,100 litres of illegally refined AGO and handed over to the appropriate prosecuting agency. In Akwa Ibom State, troops have intensified patrols of rivulets, creeks, and waterways to disrupt criminal activities.
Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 6 Division, underscored the significance of the operations. “The troops have demonstrated unwavering commitment in the fight against illegal oil refining and theft,” he said. “The confiscation of over 70,000 litres of stolen products and the destruction of illegal refining sites are clear indicators of the progress we are making. However, we remain vigilant and resolute in our mission.”
Danjuma also called on the public to continue providing credible intelligence to support ongoing operations. “Together, we can safeguard our nation’s resources and ensure a secure environment for all,” he added.
Meanwhile,Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, praised the troops for their operational successes and urged them to “upscale the operational tempo to ensure a conducive environment for increased exploration activities.”
He also emphasized the importance of professionalism and discipline in of duties.