Troops Nab 19 Suspected Oil Thieves, Destroy 22 Bunkering Hubs In Niger Delta

Troops of 6 Division of the Nigerian Army have arrested 19 suspected oil thieves, dismantled 22 illegal refining and bunkering hubs and recovered over 180,000 litres of stolen petroleum products worth over ₦150 million across the Niger Delta.

Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Jonah Danjuma stated that the operations were conducted between November 23 and December 28, 2025, in collaboration with other security agencies.

Danjuma said the operations were part of sustained efforts to curb oil theft, pipeline vandalism and related economic crimes in the region.

According to him, the coordinated raids disrupted criminal networks across Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta and Akwa Ibom States.

In Bayelsa State, said Danjuma, troops dismantled multiple illegal refining sites in Southern Ijaw, Yenagoa and Ogbia local councils and recovered tens of thousands of litres of stolen crude as well as refined products.

In Rivers State, he said several illegal refineries were destroyed in Eleme, Ahoada West and Abua/Odual local councils, while attempts to vandalise pipelines in Bonny Island were foiled.

In Delta State, troops intercepted a truck along the Asaba–Benin Expressway while discharging 45,000 litres of diverted petroleum products, with additional arrests and seizures made in Sapele and Ughelli South.

In Akwa Ibom State, a warehouse stocked with illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil was uncovered in Abak Local Government Area.

Commending the troops, the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Emekah urged them to sustain the offensive against economic saboteurs and called on residents of the Niger Delta to support security agencies in protecting critical national assets.