Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, have arrested 28 suspected oil thieves and deactivated four illegal refining sites, seizing over 290,000 litres of stolen products across the Niger Delta region. The operations, conducted between October 6 and 19, 2025, were based on credible intelligence targeting illegal oil activities.
In Rivers State, troops intercepted two wooden boats loading Premium Motor Spirit at a jetty in Okrika Local Government Area (LGA). Another boat carrying over 33,000 litres of stolen products and a second with over 5,000 litres were also seized in Okrika. At Elele Alimini in Emohua LGA, a tanker (registration number Rivers JJN 287 ZU) suspected of carrying 90,000 litres of stolen products was impounded, and two suspects, the driver and his assistant, were arrested. In Abua/Odual LGA, troops recovered over 2,600 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil. Along the Imo River, two illegal refining sites were deactivated, with three drum pots, three receivers, and over 2,500 litres of stolen crude seized in Ukwa West LGA, Abia State. At Orashi River waterside, two boats with over 700 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene were intercepted, and six suspects were arrested.
In Delta State, troops targeted oil thieves along the PAN Ocean Pipeline in Ethiope East LGA, arresting one suspect and recovering vandalized pipes, hoses, Bagco sacks, leather materials, a Peugeot 406, a Camry, a Toyota Jeep, and a lorry van with over 1,650 litres of stolen products. Along the Midwestern Oil and Gas Pipeline in Ndokwa West LGA, a Mercedes-Benz truck (registration number Enugu VE 174 ENU) carrying 24 pieces of 14-inch pipes and three gas cylinders, possibly vandalized from the SEPCO Oil and Gas pipeline at Kwale, was intercepted, with two arrests. In Ughelli North LGA, a Toyota Hiace bus (registration number Delta PTN 926 XA) loaded with ten drums containing 2,500 litres of condensates was seized, and the driver was arrested.
In Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom States, troops intensified kinetic and non-kinetic operations, dominating the operational landscape and restricting criminal activities. Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, commended the troops’ efforts and urged them to maintain their momentum in combating economic saboteurs in the Niger Delta.
