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By Tracy Moses
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division, in collaboration with other security agencies, have intensified operations against oil theft in the Niger Delta, recovering over 180,000 litres of stolen petroleum products and arresting 23 suspects within a week.
According to the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the operations were carried out between April 21 and 27, 2025, across Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, and Delta States.
In one of the raids, troops operating around Orachi and Okolomade in Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State uncovered and seized more than 45,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) hidden in sacks within a dense forest.
Also in Rivers, a major illegal refining site at Obiafo, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, was dismantled, yielding over 28,000 litres of stolen crude oil stored in two reservoirs. One suspect was apprehended during the operation, while others fled. Troops also recovered an 800-meter-long hose and a pumping machine used for the illicit activity.
Further exploits were recorded at Peterside Community in Bonny LGA, where an illegal refining site was discovered. Troops recovered three cooking pots, receivers, and over 10,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.
On the Obrikom-Omoku axis, two wooden boats ferrying over 3,000 litres of illegally refined AGO were intercepted, leading to the arrest of seven suspects.
In Akwa Ibom State, troops acting on credible intelligence intercepted a tanker along the Itu-Calabar highway in Itu LGA. The vehicle, bearing registration number 1430 LA, was loaded with approximately 39,994 litres of suspected stolen products. Two suspects were detained, and fake waybill documents were recovered during the operation. Similarly, another operation along Abak-Ikomima road in Uyo LGA led to the seizure of a truck carrying 39,985 litres of stolen crude oil.
Additionally, a sting operation at Ibio Ndot Community in Orok Anam LGA uncovered 103 nylon bags filled with about 3,090 litres of illegally refined AGO hidden within a cassava farm.
In Bayelsa State, troops operating around Biseni in Yenagoa LGA discovered an illegal refinery containing over 2,600 litres of AGO. In Adibawa area of the same local government, over 2,500 litres of crude oil and 1,100 litres of refined AGO were recovered alongside eight wheelbarrows. Six suspects were arrested at the scene.
Meanwhile, in Delta State, military operations continued to put pressure on economic saboteurs, severely limiting their activities.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, commended the troops for their sustained efforts. He urged them to maintain the momentum against economic sabotage and encouraged residents of the Niger Delta to support security forces with timely and credible information.