Photo File: Niger Delta

Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, have arrested 28 suspects and seized over 290,000 litres of stolen petroleum products in a major coordinated operation across the Niger Delta.

The military operations, conducted between October 6 and 19, 2025, led to the deactivation of four illegal refining sites across Rivers, Delta, Abia, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom States.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma, who said the efforts are part of the army’s continued drive to clamp down on crude oil theft and economic sabotage in the region.

“The troops of 6 Division, in conjunction with other security agencies, have continued to consolidate their efforts in the ongoing anti-crude oil theft operations in the Niger Delta region,” the statement read.

In Rivers State, troops made significant breakthroughs in Okrika Local Government Area, where two wooden boats were intercepted while loading Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from a vessel offloading at a jetty. Two more boats, one carrying over 33,000 litres and another with 5,000 litres of stolen petroleum products, were also seized.

At Elele Alimini in Emohua, acting on a tip-off, troops impounded a tanker with registration number Rivers JJN 287 ZU, suspected to be conveying approximately 90,000 litres of stolen products. Two suspects, including the driver and his assistant, were arrested. In Abua/Odual council, another 2,600 litres of illegally refined automotive gas oil were recovered.

In Abia State, troops deactivated two illegal refining sites along the Imo River, seizing several drum pots, receivers, and about 2,500 litres of stolen crude oil in Obuzor and Asa areas of Ukwa West Local Government Area. Six suspects were arrested after troops intercepted two boats carrying over 700 litres of Dual-Purpose Kerosene (DPK) at the Orashi River waterside.

“The Division remains committed to sustaining the operational tempo and ensuring that economic saboteurs are denied freedom of action,” Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma stated, reaffirming the army’s determination to protect national assets.

In Delta State, one suspect was arrested along the PAN Ocean pipeline in Ethiope East, where troops recovered vandalised pipes, hoses, and a lorry transporting over 1,650 litres of stolen petroleum products. At Umusan-Obodogwa in Ndokwa West, troops intercepted a Mercedes-Benz truck loaded with 24 pieces of 14-inch pipes and three gas cylinders, suspected to have been vandalised from the SEPCO Oil and Gas pipeline at Kwale. Two suspects were taken into custody.

Additionally, in Ughelli North, a Toyota Hiace bus carrying 10 drums containing 2,500 litres of condensates was intercepted, and the driver was arrested.

In Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom States, the army has continued to intensify both kinetic and non-kinetic operations aimed at dominating key criminal routes and deterring illegal oil-related activities.

“The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, has commended the troops for their resilience and urged them to sustain the momentum,” the statement added.

The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to securing national assets and stamping out all forms of economic sabotage in the oil-rich region.