Army Arrests 19 Oil Theft Suspects, Dismantles 22 Illegal Sites in Niger Delta

The Nigerian Army has arrested 19 suspected oil thieves, dismantled 22 illegal refining sites, and recovered more than 180,000 litres of stolen petroleum products valued at approximately ₦150 million across the Niger Delta.
The operations were carried out by troops of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in collaboration with other security agencies over a nearly one-month period spanning four states in the region.

In a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Monday, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 6 Division, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, said the coordinated operations targeted oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and related criminal activities. He emphasized that troops would continue to dominate the operational environment and deny criminal elements freedom of action.

According to the statement, the operations were conducted between November 23 and December 28, 2025, resulting in the arrest of 19 suspects, the destruction of 22 illegal refining hubs, and the recovery of over 180,000 litres of stolen products.

Providing details, Danjuma said an illegal refining site was deactivated at Siebu Creek in Ogbienbiri, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, where a reservoir containing more than 75,000 litres of stolen crude oil and a pumping machine were recovered. In Biseni, Yenagoa Local Government Area, several illegal sites were dismantled, leading to the recovery of over 17,000 litres of stolen products.

At Okarki waterside in Ogbia Local Government Area, troops intercepted a large boat concealed along the riverbank, loaded with 37 sacks containing 2,775 litres of stolen crude. In Rivers State, troops uncovered 350 sacks holding more than 10,500 litres of stolen crude in Ogale Community, Eleme Local Government Area.
Further operations in Ahoada West and Abua/Odual Local Government Areas led to the destruction of multiple illegal refining sites, the tracing of a nine-kilometre hose connected to four large refining ovens, and the recovery of several reservoirs and dugout pits stocked with thousands of litres of crude oil.

Danjuma also disclosed that troops foiled an attempt to sabotage a pipeline in Gbonga Forest, Bonny Island Local Government Area, where various equipment used for illegal bunkering was recovered. Additional seizures were made in Okrika, Ikwerre, and Alakiri areas of Rivers State, with over 6,000 litres of condensates recovered.

In Delta State, troops intercepted a truck along the Asaba–Benin Expressway while it was discharging about 45,000 litres of diverted petroleum products into a pit. Two suspects were also arrested during separate operations in Sapele Local Government Area, where 104 sacks containing over 2,600 litres of stolen crude were recovered. Patrols around Otorogu Gas Plant in Ughelli South Local Government Area led to the interception of two vehicles conveying 1,475 litres of illegally refined condensates, resulting in two additional arrests.

In Akwa Ibom State, troops discovered a stockpile of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil at a warehouse in Ikot Ntuen Village, Abak Local Government Area, where 20 jerry cans filled with stolen products were recovered.
Commending the troops, the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Emekah, praised their professionalism and urged them to sustain the momentum against economic saboteurs. He also called on residents of the Niger Delta to continue supporting security efforts to protect critical national infrastructure in the region.