The army has apprehended 28 suspects allegedly involved in large-scale crude oil theft across the Niger Delta region, as troops intensify their clampdown on illegal refining and pipeline vandalism.
The coordinated operations were conducted by personnel of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, between October 6 and 19, 2025.
According to a statement issued by the acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Danjuma, the operations spanned Rivers, Abia, Delta, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom States.
He said during the raids, soldiers destroyed four illegal refining sites and confiscated more than 290,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.
He explained that in Rivers State, troops intercepted two wooden boats at Okrika in Okrika Local Government Area, while the vessels were allegedly loading Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from a ship discharging products at a nearby jetty.
One of the boats reportedly contained over 33,000 litres of stolen fuel, while the other carried about 5,000 litres.
Danjuma revealed that the military acting on credible intelligence, also impounded a tanker suspected to be carrying 90,000 litres of stolen crude along the Sterling Global Company Road in Elele Alimini, Emohua Local Government Area.
Two occupants of the vehicle were arrested. Another operation in Okolomade in Abua/Odual Local Government Area, led to the recovery of about 2,600 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
He said: “In Abia State, troops on patrol along the Imo River uncovered two illegal refining camps at Obuzor, Asa Asa in Ukwa West Local Government Area.
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“They recovered three drum pots, three receivers, and over 2,500 litres of crude oil. Similarly, soldiers intercepted two wooden boats at Orashi River waterside containing about 700 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), arresting six suspects in the process.
“We also recorded multiple incidents in Delta State. Troops on anti-vandalism duty along the PAN Ocean Pipeline route in Ethiope East Local Government Area arrested one suspect after others fled on sighting the army.
“Items recovered included vandalized pipes, hoses, leather materials, a Peugeot 406, a Toyota Camry, a Toyota Jeep, and a lorry van loaded with 1,650 litres of suspected stolen fuel.
“Additionally, at Umusan-Obodogwa in Ndokwa West Local Government Area, troops intercepted a Mercedes-Benz truck with registration number Enugu VE 174 ENU, transporting 24 pieces of 14-inch pipes and three gas cylinders.
“Two persons were taken into custody, while preliminary investigations suggest the pipes may have been stolen from the SEPCO Oil and Gas Pipeline in Kwale.”
Lt. Col. Danjuma reaffirmed the army’s commitment to eradicating crude oil theft and protecting vital national assets within the Niger Delta.
