Troops Recover Over 67,000 Litres of Stolen Crude Oil, Arrest Suspects in Niger Delta

Troops Recover Over 67,000 Litres of Stolen Crude Oil, Arrest Suspects in Niger Delta

In a sustained effort to clamp down on crude oil theft and related crimes in the Niger Delta Region, troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division have recorded significant breakthroughs, dismantling illegal refining sites, recovering weapons, and arresting suspected criminals during coordinated operations conducted between April 14 and 20, 2025.

The operations, carried out in synergy with critical stakeholders, led to the discovery and dismantling of 16 artisanal refineries and the arrest of 23 suspected oil thieves across Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta, and Akwa Ibom States. Over 67,000 litres of stolen crude oil and illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) were recovered.

In Bayelsa State, troops uncovered four illegal refining sites near the Adibawa Oando Wellhead in Yenagoa Local Government Area. At the site, three large concrete-reinforced pits containing over 35,000 litres of stolen crude oil were seized, alongside more than 2,500 litres of illegally refined AGO. Troops also confiscated pumping machines and a Wellhead valve used for the illegal operation. Additionally, an 80-meter pipe was discovered connected to the Wellhead, used to siphon crude oil. Along the Gbarain-Zarama road in the same LGA, security forces intercepted tricycles transporting stolen products and arrested two suspects.

In Rivers State and parts of Abia, clearance operations along the Imo River resulted in the dismantling of six artisanal refineries and the seizure of 30 drum pots, 24 drum receivers, and over 22,000 litres of stolen products packed in 1,100 sacks. These were recovered around Obuzor in Ukwa West (Abia) and Okoloma in Oyigbo LGA (Rivers). At Okrika Creek, troops acting on intelligence intercepted a wooden boat laden with over 2,500 litres of crude oil allegedly siphoned from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Jetty.

Further raids in Kula general area, Akuku-Toru LGA, led to the arrest of three suspected buyers and three sellers of stolen products. Troops seized three tug boats and a fibre boat containing over 1,500 litres of illegally refined AGO. Other seizures were made in Obohia road to Obrikom waterside and Okwuizi in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA (ONELGA), as well as in Okarki Forest in Ahoada West.

In Delta State, troops stormed a suspected kidnappers’ hideout around Rhobot City and Iselle Azagba in Aniocha LGA. Two suspects were apprehended, and an assortment of weapons was recovered, including two pump-action rifles, a double-barrel gun, a dane gun, 56 cartridges, cutlasses, charms, and other items indicating cult affiliations. In Warri South, troops seized three cooking pots and drums containing over 600 litres of stolen crude at an illegal refining site.

In Akwa Ibom State, security forces maintained control of the operational space, preventing criminals from conducting illegal activities.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, visited troop locations in Bayelsa and Delta States to commend their efforts. He urged the soldiers to sustain the operational tempo and reassured them of continued support for their welfare.

The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to ridding the region of economic sabotage and restoring sanity to the nation’s oil-rich corridors.

By PRNigeria