N/Delta: Troops Arrest 23 Oil Thieves, Recover 180,000 Litres of Stolen Products
The Nigerian Army’s 6 Division troops have arrested 23 suspected oil thieves and recovered over 180,000 litres of stolen products.
In a series of operations conducted between April 21 and 27, 2025, troops combated oil theft and associated crimes in the Niger Delta Region.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, the operations were carried out in close synergy with other security agencies.
He said: “The troops deactivated 13 artisanal refineries and confiscated large quantities of stolen crude oil and refined products.
“In one of the operations, troops recovered over 45,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO) in sacks, concealed in a treacherous forested area in Rivers State.
“Another operation led to the destruction of an active illegal refining site, where over 28,000 litres of stolen crude were recovered.”
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The statement reads in part: “In decisive operations conducted in Rivers State, around Orachi/Okolomade general area in Abia/Odual Local Government Area (LGA), over 45,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO) in sacks, concealed at different locations within a very treacherous forested area were recovered.
“While, around Obiafo in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA (ONELGA), an active illegal refining site was destroyed with over 28,000 litres of stolen crude recovered in two reservoirs. One suspect was arrested at the area, while others fled on sighting troops. Furthermore, a 800 meters long hose and pumping machine were recovered.
“Additionally, troops conducted operation around Peterside Community in Bonny LGA, where an illegal refining site was uncovered, with three pots and receivers and over 10,000 litres of stolen products recovered. Similarly, in a snap operations conducted along Obrikom – Omoku, two wooden boats conveying over 3,000 litres of illegally refined AGO were intercepted.
“Meanwhile, seven suspected oil thieves were apprehended in connection to the heinous crime. The ongoing clearance operations at the fringes of Imo River is progressing with several illegal refining sites, drum pots and receivers taken out.
The General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, has called on troops to sustain the pressure on all forms of economic sabotage in the region.
He also urged the public to provide credible information on the activities of criminals in their domain to support military operations.
By PRNigeria
