Nigerian Army and security agencies seize over 290,000 litres of stolen petroleum and deactivate illegal refining sites in the Niger Delta.
Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, have arrested 28 suspects and recovered more than 290,000 litres of stolen petroleum products during coordinated operations 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 Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, the operations form part of the army’s ongoing efforts to curb crude oil theft and economic sabotage.
“In Rivers State, troops intercepted two wooden boats offloading Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at a jetty in Okrika LGA. Additional seizures included boats carrying over 33,000 litres and 5,000 litres of stolen petroleum,” the statement read.
Following intelligence on illegal bunkering in Elele Alimini, Emohua, a tanker suspected of transporting 90,000 litres of stolen fuel was impounded, and two suspects were arrested. In Abua/Odual, over 2,600 litres of illegally refined automotive gas oil were also recovered.
In Abia State, troops deactivated two refining sites along the Imo River, seizing drum pots, receivers, and about 2,500 litres of stolen crude oil in Ukwa West LGA. Six suspects were arrested, and two boats carrying over 700 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) were intercepted at Orashi River.
Delta and Bayelsa operations saw further arrests and seizures, including vandalised pipelines, hoses, vehicles, and trucks carrying stolen petroleum products. In Ndokwa West, Delta, a Mercedes-Benz truck loaded with pipeline materials and gas cylinders was seized, and two suspects detained. Another bus in Ughelli North carried 2,500 litres of condensates, with the driver taken into custody.
Troops in Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom intensified operations along key routes to deter criminal activities. The General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, commended the troops for their resilience and urged them to sustain the momentum.
“The Division remains committed to ensuring economic saboteurs are denied freedom of action,” Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma stated, reaffirming the army’s determination to protect national assets.
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