Troops Arrest 14 Suspects, Seize 20,000 Litres of Stolen Fuel in Niger Delta Crackdown

The Nigerian Army’s 6 Division has arrested 14 suspected oil thieves and seized over 20,000 litres of stolen petroleum products during a large-scale anti-bunkering operation across the Niger Delta.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Division, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, the operation — conducted between October 20 and November 9, 2025 — led to the dismantling of 14 illegal oil refining sites and the confiscation of stolen products from several hotspots in the region.

Danjuma described the two-week exercise as yielding “remarkable gains,” adding that the Army remains committed to sustaining its onslaught against crude oil theft in collaboration with other security and regulatory agencies.

In Rivers State, troops dismantled six illegal refineries along the Imo River axis, destroyed 14 drum pots and nine receivers, and seized more than 8,000 litres of stolen products. Additional raids were conducted in Asa, Okonta, and Okoloma in Oyigbo Local Government Area, as well as Obuzor in Ukwa West, Abia State, and an abandoned Wellhead 3 site, where 42 sacks containing over 1,250 litres of suspected stolen crude were recovered. Operations in Ahoada East and Asari-Toru LGAs also yielded further seizures.

In Delta State, troops stormed Eruemukohwarien in Ughelli North LGA, arresting three suspects and confiscating a J5 bus, a motorcycle, and over 4,000 litres of condensate. Similarly, an illegal refining site was uncovered in Bipoko, Warri South LGA, where soldiers recovered a cooking oven and 38 sacks containing about 1,140 litres of stolen crude.

The Army also reported success in Akwa Ibom State, where troops intercepted a truck loaded with over 3,200 litres of illegally refined diesel being transloaded from an underground storage at Olive Field Filling Station along the Uyo–Ikot Ekpene Road.

Danjuma added that operations continued in Bayelsa State, with suspects and confiscated products handled in accordance with established military procedures.

The General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Emekah, commended the troops for their efforts and urged them to sustain the momentum in the ongoing campaign against crude oil theft and other economic crimes undermining national development.