Army Smashes Oil Theft Rings, Seizes 290,000 Litres of Petrol in Niger Delta
By Naija Enquirer Staff
The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has intensified its crackdown on crude oil theft and illegal refining activities across the Niger Delta, arresting 28 suspects and recovering more than 290,000 litres of stolen petroleum products in renewed efforts to protect Nigeria’s oil and gas assets.
In a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, the Division disclosed that the coordinated operations were conducted between October 6 and 19, 2025, leading to the destruction of several illegal refining sites and the seizure of boats, tankers, and vehicles used for illicit trade.
“The operations, carried out in conjunction with other security agencies, underscore the Army’s determination to dismantle criminal networks sabotaging Nigeria’s economy through oil theft and pipeline vandalism,” the statement read.
In Rivers State, troops recorded significant breakthroughs, particularly in Okrika Local Government Area, where two wooden boats were intercepted while siphoning Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from a vessel at a jetty. Two additional boats, including one carrying over 33,000 litres of stolen fuel, were seized at the same location, while another 5,000 litres of illegally obtained PMS was recovered during a separate raid.
Acting on intelligence in Elele Alimini, Emohua LGA, soldiers impounded a tanker with registration number Rivers JJN 287 ZU, loaded with 90,000 litres of suspected stolen fuel. Two suspects—the driver and his assistant—were arrested on the spot. In Okolomade, Abua/Odual LGA, troops also recovered 2,600 litres of illegally refined diesel.
In Abia State, troops operating along the Imo River axis dismantled two illegal refining sites in Obuzor and Asa Asa, Ukwa West LGA, recovering three drum pots, three receivers, and 2,500 litres of stolen crude oil. At the Orashi River waterside, two wooden boats conveying 700 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) were intercepted, leading to the arrest of six suspects.
In Delta State, troops stormed Ethiope East LGA following intelligence reports of illegal tapping along the PAN Ocean Pipeline corridor. One suspect was arrested, and several items—including vandalised pipes, hoses, vehicles, and 1,650 litres of stolen fuel—were seized.
Elsewhere, at Umusan-Obodogwa in Ndokwa West LGA, soldiers intercepted a Mercedes-Benz truck loaded with 24 pieces of 14-inch pipes and three gas cylinders allegedly stolen from SEEPCO Oil and Gas facilities in Kwale. Two suspects were detained, while in Ughelli North, a Toyota Hiace bus conveying 2,500 litres of condensate was impounded and the driver arrested.
The Army further disclosed that troops have intensified both kinetic and non-kinetic operations in Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom States, maintaining firm control over critical oil infrastructure and denying criminals freedom of movement.
“Our troops are sustaining the pressure through continuous surveillance, patrols, and intelligence-led operations to protect vital energy assets,” the statement noted.
Commending the troops for their operational successes, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, lauded their professionalism and resilience, stressing that securing the nation’s oil assets remains central to economic stability.
“The commitment of our troops to protecting national economic assets is commendable. We must sustain this tempo to completely dismantle oil theft networks and restore sanity to the Niger Delta’s oil-producing corridors,” General Emekah stated.
