Army nabs 28 oil thieves, seizes 290,000 litres of crude

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division have arrested 28 suspected oil thieves and recovered over 290,000 litres of stolen crude and refined petroleum products in a sweeping operation across the Niger Delta.

The Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, saying the operations were carried out between October 6 and 19, 2025, across Rivers, Abia, Delta, and Bayelsa States.

According to him, the coordinated raids led to the deactivation of four illegal refining sites and the seizure of boats, vehicles, and other materials used for oil theft.

“In total, 28 suspects were arrested, four illegal refining sites destroyed, and over 290,000 litres of stolen petroleum products recovered,” Danjuma said.

In Rivers State, troops intercepted two wooden boats siphoning Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from a vessel at a jetty in Okrika Local Government Area. Another two boats were seized , one carrying over 33,000 litres of stolen fuel, and another containing 5,000 litres.

At Elele Alimini in Emohua LGA, soldiers impounded a tanker (Rivers JJN 287 ZU) loaded with about 90,000 litres of suspected stolen petroleum products, arresting the driver and his assistant.
Also, at Okolomade in Abua/Odual LGA, troops discovered over 2,600 litres of illegally refined diesel.

In Abia State, along the Imo River axis, two illegal refining camps were dismantled at Obuzor, Asa Asa in Ukwa West LGA. Troops recovered drum pots, receivers, and over 2,500 litres of stolen crude oil.
At Orashi River waterside, two wooden boats laden with 700 litres of illegally refined kerosene were intercepted, and six suspects were apprehended.

Similarly, in Delta State, soldiers acting on intelligence raided oil theft points along the PAN Ocean pipeline right of way in Ethiope East LGA. The operation led to the arrest of a suspect and the recovery of vandalised pipes, hoses, leather materials, Bagco sacks, and several vehicles, including a lorry carrying 1,650 litres of stolen fuel.

Lt. Col. Danjuma noted that ongoing operations have been intensified in Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom States using both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to restrict the movement and activities of oil thieves.

He reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to eradicating crude oil theft, protecting national assets, and restoring sanity to the oil-rich Niger Delta region.