Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, working alongside other security agencies, have apprehended 28 individuals and recovered over 290,000 litres of stolen petroleum products during coordinated operations in the Niger Delta region.
The operations, carried out between October 6 and 19, 2025, also resulted in the shutdown of four illegal refining sites across Rivers, Delta, Abia, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom states.
In a statement signed by Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Danjuma, it was noted that these efforts are part of the Nigerian Army’s ongoing strategy to combat crude oil theft and other economic crimes 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.
PMS, Gas Oil Recovered
In Rivers State, significant progress was made in the Okrika Local Government Area, where two wooden boats were intercepted while loading Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from a vessel discharging at a jetty.
Two additional boats — one carrying over 33,000 litres and another with 5,000 litres of stolen products — were also seized during the operation.
Acting on intelligence regarding illegal bunkering at Elele Alimini in Emohua, troops intercepted a tanker with registration number Rivers JJN 287 ZU, suspected to be transporting around 90,000 litres of stolen products. Two suspects, including the driver and his assistant, were detained.
In Abua/Odual council, over 2,600 litres of illegally refined automotive gas oil were also confiscated.
In Abia State, troops dismantled two illegal refining sites along the Imo River, seizing drum pots, receivers, and approximately 2,500 litres of stolen crude oil in the Obuzor and Asa Asa communities of Ukwa West LGA. Six suspects were arrested after two boats containing over 700 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) were intercepted at the Orashi River waterfront.
Delta, Bayelsa Arrests
“The Division remains committed to sustaining the operational tempo and ensuring that economic saboteurs are denied freedom of action,” Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma stated, reiterating the army’s commitment to safeguarding national assets.
In Delta State, one suspect was apprehended near the PAN Ocean pipeline in Ethiope East, where troops recovered vandalised pipes, hoses, and vehicles, including a lorry loaded with more than 1,650 litres of stolen products. At Umusan-Obodogwa in Ndokwa West, a Mercedes-Benz truck transporting 24 pieces of 14-inch pipes and three gas cylinders allegedly removed from the SEPCO Oil and Gas pipeline at Kwale was intercepted. Two suspects were arrested in connection with the incident.
In Ughelli North, a Toyota Hiace bus carrying 10 drums filled with 2,500 litres of condensates was seized, and the driver was taken into custody.
In Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom, troops have ramped up both kinetic and non-kinetic operations to secure major routes and discourage illegal 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.