Energy Theft: Security operatives nab 28 oil thieves, destroy 4 illegal refineries in Niger Delta

*Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, discloses troops arrested about 28 suspected oil thieves, dismantled four illegal refineries in the Niger Delta region

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

As part of the ongoing anti-crude oil theft operations in the South-South, the Nigerian Army, 6 Division, has disclosed its troops arrested about 28 suspected oil thieves.

The Army said the security operatives dismantled four illegal refineries in the Niger Delta region.

Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, noted this in a statement issued night Sunday, October 19, 2025, in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State capital.

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The statement disclosed the Army uncovered and confiscated about 290,000 litres of stolen petroleum products across several states during the operations.

Danjuma said the successes were recorded during a series of raids on criminal hideouts and illegal refining sites between October 6 and 19.

It said: “Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in conjunction with other security agencies, have been consolidating their efforts in the ongoing anti-crude oil theft operations in the Niger Delta region.

“The operations, conducted between 6 and 19 October 2025, resulted in the arrest of 28 suspected oil thieves, the deactivation of four illegal refining sites, and the seizure of over 290,000 litres of stolen products across the region.”

The Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations explained in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State, the Nigerian troops intercepted two wooden boats while loading Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol from a vessel at a jetty.

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Danjuma said: “Two boats were intercepted at Okrika, one loaded with over 33,000 litres of stolen products at a jetty, while another wooden boat containing about 5,000 litres of stolen products was also seized in the area.”

According to him, following a tip-off on illegal bunkering activities around a pipeline near Sterling Global Company Road, Akpabo, in Elele Alimini, Emohua LGA, troops intercepted a tanker with registration number Rivers JJN 287 ZU suspected to be conveying about 90,000 litres of stolen products. Two suspects — the driver and his assistant — were arrested.

The statement also noted that at Okolomade in Abua/Odual LGA, troops recovered over 2,600 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil, while in the Imo River axis of Abia State, two illegal refining sites were deactivated, and three drum pots, three receivers, and 2,500 litres of stolen crude were seized.

Danjuma stated: “In the Orashi River waterside, two wooden boats were intercepted with over 700 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene recovered. Six suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures.”

Likewise, in Delta State, troops acted on credible intelligence on the activities of oil thieves along the PAN Ocean Pipeline in Ethiope East LGA. Although the suspects fled upon sighting the troops, one person was arrested, and vandalised pipes, hoses, Bagco sacks, and vehicles — including a Peugeot 406, a Toyota Jeep, and a lorry carrying 1,650 litres of stolen products — were recovered.

The Army said at Umusan-Obodogwa in Ndokwa West LGA, troops intercepted a Mercedes-Benz truck with registration number Enugu VE 174 ENU conveying 24 pieces of 14-inch pipes and three gas cylinders. Two suspects were arrested, and the items were suspected of having been vandalised from the SEPCO Oil and Gas pipeline at Kwale.

Still, around Eruemukohwarien in Ughelli North LGA, the Nigerian Army said a Toyota Hiace bus with registration number Delta PTN 926 XA was also intercepted, carrying ten drums filled with 2,500 litres of condensates. The driver was arrested.

Troops in Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom States have intensified both kinetic and non-kinetic operations to deny criminal elements freedom of action in the region, said Danjuma.

Meanwhile, Major-General Emmanuel Emekah, General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Nigerian Army, has commended the troops for their sustained efforts.

Emekah urged the Officers to sustain the current offensive against oil thieves and other saboteurs in combating oil theft, and other forms of economic sabotage in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.