Troops from the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army have successfully apprehended 43 suspects and seized over 254,000 liters of stolen petroleum products in a significant operation aimed at curbing oil theft across the Niger Delta region.
The operation, which spanned from March 31 to April 6, 2025, covered key states including Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom. The announcement came through a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations.
Major Operations in Rivers State
In Rivers State, the troops targeted several hotspots notorious for oil theft. In Ataba, Andoni Local Government Area (LGA), they dismantled a major illegal refining site, seizing over 80,000 liters of crude oil. In Eleme LGA, near Ogale Junction, soldiers intercepted 80 sacks containing an estimated 3,200 liters of suspected stolen petroleum.
A raid in the Okarki forest, Ahoada West LGA, uncovered a large cooking oven with over 3,000 liters of stolen crude oil. The statement described this operation as a decisive strike against the oil theft syndicates in the region.
Additional raids were conducted in Omoku, Aloloba (Kula II), Oshie, and Krakrama, where the Army seized vehicles and storage tanks used in illegal bunkering activities. Ongoing clearance operations along the Imo River are also showing positive results, the Army noted.
Delta State and Beyond
In Delta State, troops uncovered a large illegal bunkering site at Old Ogorode in Sapele LGA, where they discovered a Ford bus carrying 90,000 liters of stolen crude oil, along with several drums and a tank containing more petroleum. Two suspects were arrested at this site.
Further operations in Sapele led to the interception of a Volvo Canter truck transporting 13,400 liters of stolen petroleum, while in Ughelli North LGA, a mini tanker with 11,000 liters of illegally refined AGO was seized, resulting in three additional arrests.
In Bayelsa, illegal refining operations were shut down in Okordia, Yenagoa LGA, where several refining drums and ovens containing over 8,000 liters of crude oil were destroyed. Additional sites in Biseni and Clough Creek were also raided, with more stolen petroleum confiscated.
Akwa Ibom Operations
Akwa Ibom State also saw continued efforts to dismantle illegal refining camps. The Army’s operations in the state remain intense, with the goal of weakening criminal elements responsible for oil theft.
Conclusion and Army’s Commitment
The Nigerian Army confirmed that all arrested suspects have been handed over to the relevant authorities, and the seized items are being processed according to established procedures. Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, the General Officer Commanding the 6 Division, praised the troops for their success, emphasizing that such operations are crucial for boosting Nigeria’s oil and gas production, vital for the country’s economic well-being.
He affirmed that the Army’s crackdown would continue with full force. “We will maintain the momentum of these operations until these economic saboteurs are completely neutralized,” the statement concluded.
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