Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, have arrested 28 suspects and recovered more than 290,000 litres of stolen petroleum products during coordinated operations in the Niger Delta region.

The operations, conducted between October 6 and 19, 2025, also led to the deactivation of four illegal refining sites across Rivers, Delta, Abia, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom states.

According to a statement signed by Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Danjuma, the operations form part of the Nigerian Army’s sustained efforts to curb crude oil theft and other forms of economic sabotage in the region.

“The troops of 6 Division, in conjunction with other security agencies, have continued to consolidate their efforts in the ongoing anti-crude oil theft operations in the Niger Delta region,” the statement read.

PMS, Gas Oil Recovered

In Rivers State, troops recorded breakthroughs during operations in the Okrika Local Government Area, where two wooden boats were intercepted while loading Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from a vessel offloading at a jetty.

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Two other boats — one loaded with over 33,000 litres and another with 5,000 litres of stolen products — were also seized in the area.

Following a tip-off on illegal bunkering activities at Elele Alimini in Emohua, troops impounded a tanker with registration number Rivers JJN 287 ZU, suspected to be conveying about 90,000 litres of stolen products.

Two suspects, including the driver and his assistant, were arrested.

In Abua/Odual council, over 2,600 litres of illegally refined automotive gas oil were also recovered.

In Abia State, troops deactivated two illegal refining sites along the Imo River, seizing drum pots, receivers, and about 2,500 litres of stolen crude oil in the Obuzor and Asa Asa areas of the Ukwa West LGA.

Six suspects were arrested after two boats carrying over 700 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) were intercepted at the Orashi River waterside.

Delta, Bayelsa Arrests

“The Division remains committed to sustaining the operational tempo and ensuring that economic saboteurs are denied freedom of action,” Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma stated, reaffirming the army’s determination to protect national assets.

In Delta State, one suspect was arrested along the PAN Ocean pipeline in Ethiope East, where troops recovered vandalised pipes, hoses, and vehicles, including a lorry carrying over 1,650 litres of stolen products.

At Umusan-Obodogwa in Ndokwa West, troops intercepted a Mercedes-Benz truck loaded with 24 pieces of 14-inch pipes and three gas cylinders suspected to have been vandalised from the SEPCO Oil and Gas pipeline at Kwale.

Two suspects were arrested. Another Toyota Hiace bus loaded with 10 drums containing 2,500 litres of condensates was also seized in Ughelli North, with the driver taken into custody.

In Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom states, troops have intensified both kinetic and non-kinetic operations to dominate key routes and deter criminal activities.

“The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, has commended the troops for their resilience and urged them to sustain the momentum,” the statement added.