Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in joint operations with other security agencies, have arrested 28 suspects and recovered over 290,000 litres of stolen petroleum products during coordinated anti-crude oil theft missions across the Niger Delta region.
The operations, conducted between October 6 and 19, 2025, also led to the deactivation of four illegal refining sites in Rivers, Delta, Abia, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom States, according to a statement by the Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Danjuma.
He said the operations were part of sustained efforts by the Nigerian Army to curb crude oil theft and other forms of economic sabotage undermining national development.
“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.
PMS and Gas Oil Recovered
In Rivers State, troops recorded multiple breakthroughs during operations 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 additional boats — one loaded with 33,000 litres and another with 5,000 litres of stolen fuel — were seized.
Following a tip-off on illegal bunkering activities at Elele Alimini in Emohua, troops impounded a tanker with registration number Rivers JJN 287 ZU, suspected to be carrying 90,000 litres of stolen products. Two suspects, including the driver and his assistant, were arrested.
In Abua/Odual, troops recovered 2,600 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), while in Abia State, two illegal refining sites along the Imo River were destroyed. Soldiers seized drum pots, receivers, and 2,500 litres of stolen crude oil in Obuzor and Asa Asa, both in Ukwa West LGA.
Six suspects were also arrested after troops intercepted two boats carrying over 700 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) at the Orashi River waterside.
Delta, Bayelsa Operations
In Delta State, troops apprehended a suspect along the PAN Ocean pipeline in Ethiope East, recovering vandalised pipes, hoses, and a lorry transporting 1,650 litres of stolen petroleum products.
At Umusan-Obodogwa in Ndokwa West, a Mercedes-Benz truck carrying 24 pieces of 14-inch pipes and three gas cylinders suspected to have been stolen from SEPCO Oil and Gas installations at Kwale was intercepted, leading to the arrest of two suspects.
Another operation in Ughelli North led to the seizure of a Toyota Hiace bus containing 10 drums filled with 2,500 litres of condensates, with the driver taken into custody.
In Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom, troops intensified both kinetic and non-kinetic operations to secure vital oil routes and deter further criminal activity.
Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma reaffirmed the army’s commitment to protecting national assets, quoting the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, who commended troops for their “resilience and operational effectiveness.”
“The Division remains committed to sustaining the operational tempo and ensuring that economic saboteurs are denied freedom of action,” the statement added.
