Army Arrests 71 Suspected Oil Thieves In Niger Delta

Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army have arrested no fewer than 71 suspected oil thieves and confiscated over 33,000 litres of stolen products across the Niger Delta region.

In several operations that lasted between July 21, 2025 and August 10, 2025, the troops, in conjunction with other security agencies, also deactivated 14 illegal refining sites in the region.

The Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

Danjuma stated that two illegal refining sites were deactivated with over 22,500 litres of stolen crude oil recovered along Kilometre 45 in Degema local government area of Rivers State.

He further stated that around Bassambiri in Nembe LGA of Bayelsa State, troops raided a store where 16 units of 30 litres jerrycans loaded with stolen products hidden in the store, while an illegal refining site with over 1,200 litres of stolen products were recovered in Biseni community in Yenagoa LGA.

The statement read further, “In Rivers State, along Kilometre 45 in Degema Local Government Area (LGA), two illegal refining sites were deactivated with over 22,500 litres of stolen crude oil recovered. Additionally, two wooden boats used for the illicit activity were demobilized. In a related vein, at Omoku in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, two wooden boats loaded with eight sacks of stolen crude were intercepted.

“Similar operations conducted at the fringes of the Imo River led to the deactivation of 5 illegal refining sites, with 16 drum pots, two drum receivers and over 2,000 litres of stolen crude recovered at Obuzor, Okoloma and Oyingbo LGA in Abia and Rivers states respectively. Also, a dug out pit filled over 1,500 litres of stolen products was handled appropriately.

“Relatedly, in Bayelsa State, around Bassambiri in Nembe LGA, troops raided a store, where 16 units of 30 litres jerricans loaded with stolen products hidden in the store. At Biseni in Yenagoa LGA, troops uncovered an illegal refining site with over 1,200 litres of stolen products recovered.

“This was in addition to several raid operations conducted with other sister services in the state, which led to the arrest of multiple criminals.

“While, in Delta State, a vehicle with Registration Number AG 02 KWR loaded with 31 units of 25 litres jerricans filled with stolen Automotive Gasoline Oil was intercepted at Omuseti junction along Kwale to Ozoro road in Ndokwa West LGA.”

The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, NA, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, while appreciating informants for their support, stated that operatives embarked on due diligence to verify the authenticity when illegal products were discovered.

He added that where the product is discovered to be genuine, it is usually handed over to the owner in line with the mandate of Operation DELTA SAFE.

The GOC further stressed that perpetrators of economic sabotage who were arrested by the troops are handed over to the appropriate agency for prosecution.