In an ongoing effort to combat oil theft and pipeline vandalism, troops of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, have arrested 46 suspected oil thieves, shut down 23 “illegal refining sites,” and recovered more than 30,000 litres of stolen crude and refined petroleum products across the Niger Delta.
These developments were detailed in a statement by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, who described the actions as part of continued pressure to restrict criminal activity in the region.
In Rivers State, troops uncovered six “illegal refining sites” around Kilometer 45 in Degema LGA, seizing over 5,000 litres of stolen crude oil. At “Kula 1” in Akuku-Toru LGA, another refining site containing four ovens and four drums filled with over 2,500 litres of stolen Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) was dismantled, and four suspects were taken into custody.
According to the statement, operations conducted along the Imo River—covering Obuzor and Okoloma in Ukwa West and Oyigbo LGAs of Abia and Rivers States—led to the destruction of six additional sites. Troops recovered 2,000 litres of crude oil, alongside numerous “drum pots,” “receivers,” and sacks used in the illegal refining process.
“This operation is part of our sustained pressure on criminal elements, aimed at denying them the freedom of action within the Niger Delta region,” said Lt. Col. Danjuma.
He continued, “The troops acted in synergy with other security agencies to achieve these results, and we remain committed to eradicating oil theft and environmental degradation caused by illegal refining.”
Commenting on the wider impact, he noted, “These arrests and seizures reflect our resolve to stop economic sabotage and ensure the safety and integrity of oil facilities.”
In Bayelsa State, troops raided “illegal sites” in Biseni and Adibawa in Yenagoa LGA, where they dismantled large refining equipment and recovered over 6,000 litres of stolen crude. At Otueke in Ogbia LGA, two suspects were apprehended in possession of “locally fabricated pistols” and 9mm ammunition.
In Akwa Ibom, a warehouse in Ukanafun LGA was raided, revealing 131 nylon bags containing more than 3,930 litres of stolen products. At Ebughu in Mbo LGA, troops intercepted over 300 litres of illegally refined AGO.
In Delta State, 150 sacks of stolen crude oil were found at a tanker park in Kwale, Ndokwa East LGA, and a vacuum truck carrying crude was intercepted at Oleh in Isoko North LGA, though the driver escaped before being apprehended.
The Nigerian Army affirmed that these operations will persist until oil theft, sabotage, and the environmental destruction linked to illegal refining are effectively curbed.
