Army Nabs 28 Suspected Oil Thieves, Seizes 290,000 Litres of Stolen Fuel in Niger Delta
Story: written by Zara October 20,2025
The Nigerian Army, in a joint operation with other security agencies, has apprehended 28 suspected oil thieves and confiscated more than 290,000 litres of stolen petroleum products across the Niger Delta region.
This was disclosed in a statement released by Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 6 Division, and made available to DAILY POST.
According to him, the operation formed part of the military’s ongoing efforts to curb crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and related crimes in the region.
Between October 6 and 19, 2025, the coordinated raids resulted in the destruction of four illegal refining sites and the seizure of multiple boats and vehicles used to transport stolen products across Rivers, Delta, Abia, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom States.
In Rivers State, troops intercepted two wooden boats in Okrika as they loaded Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from a vessel at a jetty. Another boat carrying 33,000 litres of stolen fuel was confiscated, while in Elele Alimini, Emohua LGA, a tanker loaded with 90,000 litres of suspected stolen product was impounded and two suspects arrested.
In Abua/Odual LGA, troops recovered 2,600 litres of illegally refined diesel (AGO). Similarly, in Abia State, soldiers dismantled two illegal refining sites along the Imo River, seizing 2,500 litres of stolen crude and arresting six suspects.
In Delta State, troops, acting on credible intelligence, disrupted oil theft operations along the PAN Ocean pipeline in Ethiope East LGA, recovering vandalized pipes, hoses, and vehicles. One suspect was apprehended, and 1,650 litres of stolen crude were recovered.
Further raids in Ndokwa West LGA led to the arrest of two more suspects and the confiscation of a truck loaded with 24 vandalized pipes and three gas cylinders, while in Ughelli North, troops intercepted a Toyota Hiace bus transporting 2,500 litres of condensate.
The statement added that troops have intensified kinetic and non-kinetic operations across Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom States, significantly curbing illegal oil refining and improving security in the region.
Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, commended the troops for their efforts and urged them to sustain the pressure on criminal networks sabotaging the nation’s economy.
