The Nigerian Army, in a joint operation with other security agencies, has arrested 28 suspected oil thieves and seized over 290,000 litres of stolen petroleum products across the Niger Delta region. The operation is part of a renewed effort to combat crude oil theft and protect national assets from economic sabotage.
In a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, the coordinated operations took place between October 6 and 19, 2025. The raids led to the destruction of four illegal refining sites and the interception of several boats, tankers, and vehicles used in transporting stolen petroleum products across Rivers, Delta, Abia, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom States.
In Rivers State, troops intercepted two wooden boats at Okrika while they were loading Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from a vessel at a jetty. Another boat carrying over 33,000 litres of stolen fuel was seized, and a tanker suspected of carrying 90,000 litres of stolen products was impounded in Elele Alimini, Emohua Local Government Area, leading to the arrest of two suspects. In Abua/Odual LGA, troops recovered 2,600 litres of illegally refined diesel, while two illegal refining sites were dismantled in Abia State, where six suspects were also arrested.
In Delta State, acting on credible intelligence, troops disrupted oil theft activities along the PAN Ocean pipeline in Ethiope East LGA, where vandalized pipes, hoses, and vehicles were recovered. One suspect was arrested, and over 1,650 litres of stolen crude oil were seized. Additional operations in Ndokwa West and Ughelli North LGAs led to more arrests and the confiscation of vandalized materials and a truck loaded with 24 pipes and 2,500 litres of condensate.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, praised the troops for their commitment and success. He urged them to sustain the pressure on oil thieves and continue both kinetic and non-kinetic operations to maintain peace and economic stability in the Niger Delta region.
