19 Suspected Oil Thieves Arrested, Illegal Refineries Deactivated

The war against economic saboteurs has taken a new turn as troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, have arrested 19 suspected oil thieves in several operations conducted across the Niger Delta region between November 23 and December 28, 2025.

The operations carried out in synergy with other security agencies led to the deactivation of 22 illegal bunkering hubs in the region.

Elated by the feat, acting deputy director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, added that over 180,000 litres of stolen products, worth over ₦150 million

In a statement he issued in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, yesterday, Danjuma said,  “In the operations that ensued in Bayelsa State, at Siebu Creek within Ogbienbiri in Southern Ijaw local government area (LGA), an illegal refining site was deactivated with a massive reservoir filled with over 75,000 litres of stolen crude oil, as well as a pumping machine recovered.

“Relatedly, around Biseni in Yenagoa LGA, troops conducted multiple operations, which led to the deactivation of several illegal refining sites, with a cumulative recovery of over 17,000 litres of stolen products. At Okarki waterside in Ogbia LGA, troops intercepted a big Cotonou boat concealed at the riverbank, loaded with 37 sacks filled with 2,775 litres of stolen crude,” he said.

In Rivers State, at Ogale Community in Eleme LGA, troops discovered 350 sacks filled with over 10,500 litres of stolen crude. Around Okarki Forest in Ahoada West LGA, troops destroyed two illegal refining sites, with sacks and a reservoir filled with over 3,000 litres of stolen crude recovered.

A similar operation was conducted at Orashi Forest in Abua/Odual LGA, where troops traced a long hose which spanned over 9 kilometres, leading to four illegal refining sites, comprising four large ovens with a capacity of 30,000 litres each, receivers and dugout pits stocked with over 7,000 litres of crude oil.

In addition, a pumping machine with five large reservoirs were destroyed. While at Okolomade, also in Abua/Odual LGA, 31 sacks filled with 2,325 litres of stolen crude, concealed in the bush along the Okomade–Otuasega Road were confiscated.

The troops also received credible information on a daring attempt by suspected oil thieves to compromise a pipeline around Gbonga Forest in Bonny Island LGA. Troops swiftly mobilised to the scene and made huge recoveries, including a rubber hose, one shovel and a manifold valve.