Nigerian Army Cracks Down on Oil Theft in Niger Delta, Arrests 19 Suspects and Dismantles 22 Illegal Refining Hubs

The Nigerian Army has intensified its fight against crude oil theft in the Niger Delta, arresting 19 suspected oil thieves and dismantling 22 illegal refining sites during a coordinated security operation across the region.

The operation, carried out by troops of the 6 Division, led to the recovery of over 180,000 litres of stolen petroleum products, including crude oil, Automotive Gas Oil, and other illegally refined products. The seized items were valued at several millions of naira.

Military authorities said the arrests and destruction of illegal facilities followed actionable intelligence and sustained surveillance in key oil-producing communities. The operation covered parts of Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom states, where illegal refining activities have continued to threaten national revenue and environmental safety.

The army noted that the illegal sites were carefully dismantled to prevent further criminal use, while recovered products and equipment were handled in line with operational procedures. Suspects arrested during the raids have been handed over to relevant authorities for further investigation and prosecution.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to protecting critical oil infrastructure and ending economic sabotage in the Niger Delta, warning that operations against oil theft and pipeline vandalism will be sustained until criminal networks are fully dismantled.