Nigerian Army Busts 28 Suspected Oil Thieves, Recovers 290,000 Liters of Stolen Fuel

Table of Contents

1. Arrests of Suspected Oil Thieves
2. Details of Operations
3. Recovery of Stolen Products
4. Commendation from Leadership

The Nigerian Army, in partnership with other security agencies, has apprehended 28 individuals suspected of oil theft and confiscated over 290,000 liters of stolen petroleum products throughout the Niger Delta region.

Acting Deputy Director of the 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, revealed this information in a statement issued to DAILY POST.

He indicated that the operation is part of ongoing efforts to enhance the fight against crude oil theft and related offenses in the region.

According to the statement, coordinated operations conducted between October 6 and 19, 2025, resulted in the shutdown of four illegal refining sites and the interception of multiple boats and vehicles used for transporting stolen products in Rivers, Delta, Abia, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom States.

In Rivers State, troops intercepted two wooden boats at Okrika while they were loading Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from a vessel at a jetty.

Another boat, carrying over 33,000 liters of stolen products, was also seized. Additionally, a tanker suspected of being loaded with approximately 90,000 liters of stolen products was confiscated at Elele Alimini in Emohua Local Government Area, where two suspects were arrested.

At Okolomade in Abua/Odual LGA, troops recovered over 2,600 liters of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), while along the Imo River in Abia State, two illegal refining sites were dismantled, leading to the seizure of over 2,500 liters of stolen crude. Six suspects were apprehended in connection with these findings.

In Delta State, troops, acting on credible intelligence, disrupted oil theft activities along the PAN Ocean pipeline in Ethiope East LGA, recovering vandalized pipes, hoses, and vehicles used by the suspects. One suspect was arrested, and over 1,650 liters of stolen products were recovered.

Further operations along the Midwestern Oil and Gas pipeline at Umusan-Obodogwa in Ndokwa West LGA resulted in the arrest of two suspects and the seizure of a truck loaded with 24 pieces of vandalized pipes and three gas cylinders. In Ughelli North LGA, a Toyota Hiace bus transporting 2,500 liters of condensate was also intercepted.

The statement noted that troops have intensified both kinetic and non-kinetic operations in Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom States, effectively curtailing the activities of oil thieves and restoring security in the region.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, praised the troops for their accomplishments and encouraged them to maintain the momentum in their ongoing operations against economic saboteurs.