Niger Delta: Troops arrest 16 oil thieves, confiscate 24,000 litres  

Troops of 6 Division Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, have increased the operational tempo against oil thieves in the Niger Delta Region (NDR). 

The operations conducted from 24 February to March 2, 2025 with other agencies, recorded significant successes. These operations resulted in the destruction of 14 illegal refining sites, arrest of 16 suspected oil thieves and the confiscation of over 24,000 litres of stolen products across the joint operation area.

A statement released by the acting deputy director, 6 Division, Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, and made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt, stated that in Bayelsa state, following  credible intelligence, troops destroyed 2 active illegal refining sites around Biseni in Yenagoa local government area.

The statement  added that at the site, over 8,000 litres of stolen crude, and over 3,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO) stocked in sacks were recovered.

He added that other items recovered include one generator, wielding and cutting materials.

The army spokesperson said around Adibawa, also in Yenagoa LGA, troops deactivated one illegal refining site beside Oando Wellhead and over 2,000 litres of stolen crude and 800 illegally refined AGO were confiscated. Other seizures included two wheelbarrows and a pumping machine. 

“In  Rivers state, a truck with Reg. No KBT 220 XB, Kano was intercepted at Refinery check point in Okrika LGA. The truck was loaded with 140 sacks of stolen crude estimated to be over 7,500 litres. However, the driver absconded and abandoned the vehicle on sighting troops.

“At Ekpe – Mgbede general areas in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, 3 illegal refining sites were deactivated with over 28 locally made ovens and 3 large empty metal drums handled appropriately. Around Buguma in Asari-Toru LGA, one illegal refining site was destroyed with four drum pots and massive tarpaulin used as storage facility also destroyed. 

“At Rumukpe in Emohua LGA, troops destroyed one massive drum pot, one drum receiver and ten polythene bags stocked with stolen products. While, around the fringes of Imo River, troops conducted clearance operations that led to the  deactivation of several illegal refining sites, with 30 drum pots, 16 drum receivers with unspecified quantity of stolen products handled in line with operational exigency. 

“While in Delta State, around Ugbokodo community in Warri South LGA, troops impounded 1,500 litres of AGO stored  in sacks at a makeshift camp. Troops also intercepted a black jeep conveying suspected illegally refined AGO. Additionally, following credible intelligence on activities of pipeline vandals, troops mobilised to the scene and arrested four suspected oil thieves at Egwa 2, 18 and 22 Oil Wells in Warri South West LGA.

“In Akwa Ibom state, troops scaled up operational activities along the waterways, hinterland and the creeks, denying criminal elements freedom of action in the state,” the statement said.