Troops Seize Over 180,000 Liters of Stolen Oil, Arrest 23 in Nigeria's Delta Region
PORT HARCOURT - The Nigerian Army’s 6 Division carried out several operations from April 21 to 27, 2025, resulting in the seizure of more than 180,000 liters of illicitly obtained petroleum products. During these actions, they apprehended 23 individuals suspected of being involved in oil theft and dismantled 13 makeshift refineries in the Niger Delta area.
This information was shared by the Acting Deputy Director of the 6th Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, who also mentioned that these operations were carried out in collaboration with various other security organizations.
Lt. Col. Danjuma revealed that during an operation, forces seized more than 45,000 liters of illicitly processed Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), which was hidden in bags across various spots within a densely wooded region in Orachi/Okolomade, part of the Abua/Odual Local Government Area in Rivers State.
In Obiafo, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, an active illegal refining site was destroyed, and over 28,000 litres of stolen crude were recovered in two reservoirs.
Danjuma stated that one suspect was apprehended, whereas the rest escaped when they spotted the soldiers during the operation. Furthermore, a hose measuring 800 meters along with a pumping device were seized.
In the Peterside community within Bonny Local Government Area, security forces discovered an illicit refinery operation. They found three distillation units along with receptors and more than 10,000 liters of pilfered substances at the location.
Additionally, near Obrikom-Omoku, authorities stopped two wooden vessels carrying more than 3,000 liters of illicitly processed AGO, arresting seven individuals suspected of being involved in oil theft.
In Akwa Ibom State, based on reliable information, soldiers stopped a tanker carrying Registration number 1430 LA that was loaded with 39,994 liters of pilfered fuel along the Itu – Calabar highway within the Itu Local Government Area.
He mentioned that two individuals allegedly involved in oil theft were apprehended regarding this confiscation. A subsequent investigation uncovered counterfeit waybills in the hands of these criminals. Additionally, a similar operation took place along the Abak–Ikomima road within the Uyo Local Government Area, resulting in the stoppage of a truck bearing registration number 22689 LA carrying 39,985 liters of pilfered crude oil.
"The items were reportedly accompanied by counterfeit documentation. Additionally, a covert operation took place in the Ibio Ndot Community within Orok Anam LGA, where soldiers found 103 polythene sacks containing more than 3,090 liters of illicitly processed AGO hidden in a cassava plantation," stated Danjuma.
In Bayelsa State, specifically near Biseni within the Yenagoa Local Government Area (YELGA), military forces found an unauthorized refining location containing more than 2,600 liters of AGO stored in bags. Meanwhile, at the Adibawa region, which is part of YELGA as well, they seized over 2,500 liters of pilfered crude oil along with about 1,100 liters of improperly processed AGO inside containers. Additionally, authorities confiscated eight wheelbarrows utilized for these unlawful operations. They also apprehended six individuals believed to be involved in the thefts during this operation.
In Delta State, forces have persisted in disrupting the operations of criminals. Consequently, this has been effective, preventing economic saboteurs from acting freely.
In the meantime, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, who commands the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, has urged soldiers to continue applying pressure against various acts of economic vandalism in their area.
He also urged the honorable citizens of the area to keep supporting military efforts by sharing reliable intelligence about criminal actions within their territories with law enforcement authorities.
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