The Nigerian Army has stepped up operations against crude oil theft across the Niger Delta, seizing more than 32,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.
Within two weeks, troops dismantled nine illegal refining sites and arrested 69 suspects, according to a statement issued on Sunday by Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Division.
Between 11 and 24 August 2025, joint operations by 6 Division troops and other security agencies led to significant interceptions in Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom states.
In Delta State, troops intercepted two trucks in Sapele carrying over 15,000 litres of illegally refined diesel. Additional seizures took place in One Man Village and Nana Town in Warri North.
In Rivers State, troops dismantled refining sites in Degema and Okrika, seized more than 7,000 litres of stolen products, and arrested three suspects. Wooden boats carrying stolen condensates were intercepted in Omoku, while troops recovered over 1,500 litres in Izuoma, Oyigbo.
Operations in Andoni and the Imo River axis exposed further illegal refining sites, boats, and equipment, which were promptly destroyed.
In Bayelsa, troops raided a site at Biseni, Yenagoa, uncovering two reservoirs containing more than 7,000 litres of crude. Meanwhile, in Akwa Ibom, troops maintained strong patrols, curbing oil theft activities.
The army confirmed that all suspects had been handed over to security agencies for prosecution, while confiscated products were secured in line with operational directives.