Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, have intensified their clampdown on crude oil theft and illegal refining operations across the Niger Delta, arresting 28 suspects and recovering over 290,000 litres of stolen petroleum products in a renewed effort to safeguard Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructure.
The Division disclosed in a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, that the series of coordinated raids, conducted between October 6 and 19, 2025, led to the destruction of multiple illegal refining sites and the seizure of boats, tankers, and vehicles used in the illicit trade.
“The operations, carried out in conjunction with other security agencies, underscore the Army’s determination to dismantle criminal networks sabotaging Nigeria’s economy through oil theft and pipeline vandalism,” the statement said.
“In Rivers State, troops recorded significant breakthroughs, particularly in Okrika Local Government Area, where two wooden boats were intercepted while siphoning Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from a vessel at a jetty.
” Two additional boats, including one loaded with over 33,000 litres of stolen fuel, were seized at the same location, while another 5,000 litres of illegally obtained PMS was recovered in a separate raid.
“Acting on intelligence in Elele Alimini, Emohua Local Government Area, soldiers impounded a tanker with registration number Rivers JJN 287 ZU, loaded with 90,000 litres of suspected stolen petroleum products. Two suspects — the driver and his assistant — were arrested at the scene.
“Similarly, in Okolomade, Abua/Odual LGA, troops recovered 2,600 litres of illegally refined diesel, while other operations in Rivers East led to the arrest of additional suspects.”
“In Abia State, troops operating along the Imo River axis dismantled two illegal refining sites in Obuzor and Asa Asa, Ukwa West LGA, recovering three drum pots, three receivers, and 2,500 litres of stolen crude oil. At the Orashi River waterside, two wooden boats conveying 700 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene were intercepted, leading to the arrest of six suspects.
“In Delta State, troops stormed Ethiope East LGA following intelligence reports of illegal tapping along the PAN Ocean Pipeline corridor. One suspect was arrested, while several items — including vandalized pipes, hoses, vehicles, and 1,650 litres of stolen fuel — were seized.”
Elsewhere, at Umusan-Obodogwa in Ndokwa West LGA, soldiers intercepted a Mercedes-Benz truck loaded with 24 pieces of 14-inch pipes and three gas cylinders allegedly stolen from SEEPCO Oil and Gas facilities at Kwale.
“Two suspects were detained. In Ughelli North, a Toyota Hiace bus carrying 2,500 litres of condensate was impounded and the driver arrested.”
The Army further disclosed that troops have intensified both kinetic and non-kinetic operations in Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom States, maintaining strong control over critical oil infrastructure and denying criminals freedom of movement.
“Our troops are sustaining the pressure through continuous surveillance, patrols, and intelligence-led operations to protect vital energy assets,” the statement noted.
Commending the troops for their operational successes, the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, lauded their dedication and professionalism, emphasizing that securing the nation’s oil assets is central to economic stability.
“The commitment of our troops to protecting national economic assets is commendable. We must sustain this tempo to completely dismantle oil theft networks and restore sanity to the Niger Delta’s oil-producing corridors,” General Emekah stated.
