A crackdown operation against oil theft, pipeline vandalism and associated crimes in the Niger Delta Region (NDR), has led to the arrest of 46 oil thieves and the deactivation of 23 illegal refining sites.
The Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel
Danjuma Jonah said in a statement on Sunday, 29th June, 2025 that the troops effectively denied the criminal elements freedom of action as the operations conducted with other security agencies between 9 – 29 June 2025, yielded successful result.
In addition, over 30,000 litres of stolen products were recovered across the region.
Lt Col Danjuma explained that in Bayelsa State, around Biseni Community, Adibawa in Yenagoa Local Government Area (LGA), nine big pots, 16 drum pots, four receivers, four drum coolants were destroyed with over 6,000 litres of stolen crude recovered.
Troops also apprehended two suspected criminals in possession of two locally fabricated pistols with 9mm rounds at Otueke in Ogbia LGA.
While, in Rivers State, around Kilometre 45 general area in Degema LGA, 6 illegal refining sites were uncovered, with over 5,000 litres of stolen crude confiscated.
Additionally, at Kula 1 general area in Akuku-Toru LGA, an illegal refining site was taken out, with four cooking ovens, four receivers, and four drums filled with over 2,500 litres of stolen Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO) handled appropriately.
Four suspected oil thieves were arrested in connection to the malfeasance. Also, clearance operations conducted along the Imo River, led to the destruction of six illegal refining sites, 32 drum pots, nine drum receivers, 10 sacks with over 2,000 litres of crude oil recovered around Obuzor and Okoloma general areas in Ukwa West and Oyigbo LGAs of Abia and Rivers States respectively.
Similarly, in Akwa Ibom State, troops raided a warehouse at Ukanafun LGA, where 131 nylon bags filled with over 3,930 litres of stolen products were recovered. Relatedly, at Ebughu area in Mbo LGA, troops intercepted seven 30 litre jerricans filled with over 300 litres of illegally refined AGO.
Meanwhile, in Delta State, at Kwale in Ndokwa East LGA, troops discovered a store at a tanker park along Asaba expressway, where 150 sacks filled with over 3,000 litres of stolen crude oil.
Troops also intercepted a vacuum truck with Registration Number Delta LEH 167 SP loaded with stolen crude at Yanga market road Oleh in Isoko North LGA. The driver abandoned the vehicle and fled.
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